Back in 2022 when India squared off against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final in Adelaide, the Three Lions trashed the men in blue by 10 wickets and left the Indian captain in tears. The following year, 2023, didn’t bring any relief for Indian cricket fans as Rohit Sharma & Co lost the ODI World Cup final to Australia at home. Seven months down the line India are once again on the verge of ending the draught of an ICC title. On Thursday, they sought revenge for the loss of 2022 heartbreak Down Under by defeating the reigning champions by 68 runs in the T20 World Cup semi-final.
Rohit thus became the first Indian captain to lead the country in three ICC global finals in a space of 12 months – 2023 World Test Championship, 2023 ODI World Cup and now the T20 World Cup. He contributed an invaluable 57 off 39 balls on a track where the ball consistently kept low, as India posted 171 for 7 in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav also played an impactful knock of 47 runs off 36 balls. In reply, England lost five wickets at the halfway stage and never recovered to be all out for 103 in 16.4 overs.
“Very satisfying to win this game. We worked really hard as a unit. To win this game like that was a great effort from everyone. We adapted to the conditions really well. It was a challenge and we adapted. We played the conditions really well. If the players play according to the conditions, things fall in place. Very pleasing with how we came through,” said Rohit after India marched into the finals.
“At one stage, (we were thinking) 140-150, as the game went on, after that partnership, we said another 25 runs. I can set the target in my mind, but I don’t want to let anyone know about it, to the batters. They are all instinctive players. I thought 170 was a very good score on this surface,” he added.
Backing Kohli for the final
Virat Kohli’s run of low scores at the T20 World Cup continued as he fell for just nine. So far, he has scored just 75 runs in seven innings this tournament at an average of 10.71. But Rohit backed his opening partner, highlighting his class and expecting that he would play a key role in the final.
“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through that. We understand his class and his importance. Form is never a problem. The intent is there. Absolutely, backing Kohli for the final,” Rohit said.
It’s been seven months since India suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the ODI World Cup at home. Since Rohit and his boys have another chance to glory, the Indian skipper said the team needs to play good cricket.
“We have been very calm as a team. We understand the occasion (final). Staying composed helps you make good decisions. That’ll help us making the game through. You got to play good cricket. That’s what we want to do in the final,” he concluded.
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