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World Cup 2023: As a batsman I have to think, I have to set the tone for the game, says Rohit Sharma

Rohit's captaincy has come under praise but he knows well that the situation can change dramatically

Our Special Correspondent Mumbai Published 02.11.23, 08:13 AM
Rohit Sharma on the sidelines of India’s practice session on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s match against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma on the sidelines of India’s practice session on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s match against Sri Lanka. PTI picture

Much like his batting, Rohit Sharma always has a relaxed look about him.

He began Wednesday’s news conference giggling as the media manager spelt out the dos and don’ts during the session. It was repetitive in nature and Rohit couldn’t stop laughing.

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“Yes, I’m enjoying my batting. But obviously, keeping the situation of the team in mind, it’s not like I just have to go and spin the bat. I have to spin it well, play well and keep the team in a good situation. This is my mindset,” he said.

“When I open, the scoreboard starts from zero. So as a batsman I have to think, I have to set the tone for the game. So I have that advantage or you can call it a benefit that I am starting the batting and there is no pressure of wickets because everything is 0-0.

“So when you have to start like that, you can be fearless and you can play the way you want to play. In the last game we were put under pressure a little bit in the Powerplay. We lost three wickets.

“As a batsman, my focus is on what the team needs at that time. What is needed in the first over, what is needed in the fifth over, what is needed in the tenth over. What is the team’s score, how many runs are they chasing, how much score is good on the ground? All these things. So whatever situation demands at that time, I try to play according to the situation,” Rohit explained.

Pandya recovery

Hardik Pandya is back in Mumbai after finishing his recovery process at the NCA but is yet to join the team, sources told The Telegraph.

“Whatever procedure he had to undergo at the NCA, there were a lot of posit­ive things. Right now, he is not available for tomorrow (Thursday)’s match. But it is an injury that we have to see everyday... how much per cent he has improved... So on a day-to-day basis, we would like to take a call,” Rohit said.

“The matches are taking place every 3-4 days.... So we are watching the situation daily. So as he is progressing, it’s possible, hopefully, we’ll get a chance to see him soon. That’s all I can say for now.”

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