‘Play Freely & Do Not Think Too Much’: Rohit Sharma’s Mantra as India Set to Face England in Semis – News18

India skipper Rohit Sharma played a knock to remember as India defeated Australia by 24 runs to cruise into the T20 World Cup 2024. The Indian skipper struck a record 8 sixes in his 41-ball 92, powering India to 205/5. In reply, Australia were restricted to 181/7.

Staring at an early exit from the competition, Australia showed their familiar fighting spirit in the run chase with skipper Mitchell Marsh getting back among the runs and India’s nemesis Travis Head scoring 76 off 43. But the trio of Kuldeep Yadav (2/24), Jasprit Bumrah (1/29) and Arshdeep Singh (3/37) eventually kept the Aussies at bay and let Team India extend its winning streak.

A happy skipper, Rohit called the win ‘satisfying’ and mentioned that the team utilized the conditions well at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia.

“Satisfying. We know the opposition and the threat they bring. As a team, we did well, and kept doing the things we needed to do. Gives us good confidence as a team. 200 is a good score but when you are playing here with wind being a big factor, anything can happen. But I think we used to conditions really well, and it was about individuals doing their job. If was about getting wickets at the right time,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

Kuldeep Yadav ended as the most economic bowler on the track which was a batting paradise. Rohit highlighted his importance in these conditions and also explained why he didn’t play any games in New York.

“We know the strength he has, but we need to use him when necessary. In New York, there were seamer-friendly wickets. He had to miss out but we knew he had a big role to play out here,” he added.

India have cruised into the semis where they face defending champions England. The last time when two teams squared off against each other in a T20 World Cup semi-final – in 2022, Australia – the Jos Buttler-led side defeated the men in blue by 10 wickets.

Rohit said it would be a nice game where they all play their natural game.

“We don’t want to do anything different, play the same way and understand what each person has to do. Play freely and do not think too much about what’s lying ahead. Not thinking about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue.

“It will be a nice match, nothing changes for us as a team,” Rohit concluded.

Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.