NEW DELHI: India skipper Rohit Sharma on Wednesday emphasised the importance of maintaining composure and simplicity in their approach to the high-stakes T20 World Cup semifinal match against England on Wednesday. He acknowledged that the team has struggled with a fear of failure in previous encounters.
India are determined to seek redemption in this semifinal clash, aiming to avenge their devastating 10-wicket defeat at the hands of England in the 2022 edition of the tournament, which took place at the Adelaide Oval.
"It is a bit of both," said Rohit when asked whether his side has been let down by fear of failure or bad luck in its past quests for a world title.
"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 asserted.
Rohit said he expects his teammates to play smart cricket on Thursday.
"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," said Rohit at the pre-match press conference.
"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," he said, explaining the team's philosophy.
Rohit played a pivotal role in India's victory against Australia, scoring an explosive 92 runs off just 41 deliveries during the important Super Eight phase match. The captain attributed his consistent success to maintaining composure under pressure.
"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."
The Caribbean pitches have been favorable for spin bowlers, but Rohit Sharma, the captain, has not confirmed whether the team will include four spinners in the lineup. Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist spinner, and Axar Patel have performed exceptionally well in the West Indies portion of the tournament thus far.
"We will see assess the conditions and then take a call on four spinners. We will see."
