New Delhi: India must get a grip of heightened expectations and control their nerves to beat England in their T20 World Cup semi-finals, reckons skipper Rohit Sharma.
He added that the players are trying to be relaxed and focussed on doing their specific jobs rather than dwelling on the outcome of the contest.
India were beaten by eventual champions England in the semid of the 2022 edition of the tournament and the team has failed to win any major ICC event since 2013.
Asked if bad luck as well as fear of failure contributed to India’s poor record since 2013, Rohit agreed, saying: “It is a bit of both.”
“We want to treat this as a normal game. We don’t want to be talking about that it is a semifinal. We are enjoying each other’s company and we need carry on. It is a knockout game. If you think too much it doesn’t help,” he said.
‘Smart cricket’
Rohit was part of the 2022 team that lost by 10 wickets in 2022 but he insisted that the Indian team doesn’t need to make massive adjustments before taking on England.
“Honestly not a lot has changed since 2022. We have tried to play with free mind, T20 and ODIs as well. It all depends on conditions which were challenging throughout the tournament here,” the skipper said.
“We want to be a smart cricket team. I have kept things simple personally and for the players as well. We have done well with role clarity and rely on the players making good decisions on the field.
“Everyone knows they need to get the job done. We don’t need to change from 2022 to 2024.”
THe opener played a match-winning knock of 92 runs off 41 balls 92-run knock against Australia and said maintaining composure has helped him excel in high-stakes game.
“It is important to stay cool and calm. Staying calm has worked for me over the years. Sometimes you can lose cool as well. I am happy to let you do what you want but if is at cost of the team then I won’t let it happen. Indian cricket teams is always under pressure. Most of the guys are used to it.”
India must back their strengths to beat England in the T20 World Cup semi-finals on Thursday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
