India’s captain Rohit Sharma celebrates the run-out of England’s Adil Rashid during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup second semifinal cricket match between England and India at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, Thursday, June 27, 2024.AP/PTI
India has thrashed England on Thursday to reach yet another ICC final in the space of seven months. The last time India played a final they lost to Australia in a 50-over contest in Ahmedabad. However, despite the loss the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was applauded for the way he led the side and his aggressive approach with the bat upfront which set the tone with the bat.
“He is a selfless captain, plays for the team, and is a complete batter,” Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said speaking on his YouTube channel. “Rohit Sharma has repeatedly said he wants to make an impact and win the trophy and so, deserves to win the cup. He is a big player, and it should end on a big note,” Akhtar added.
In addition to the final in the 2023 World Cup India also lost the World Test Championship in June of last year and took a mauling in the semifinal at Adelaide in the 2022 T20 World Cup against England-all under the leadership of Rohit. “We have been very calm as a team. We understand the occasion (final), it’s a big occasion. For us, we must keep calm,” the Indian skipper said after a 68-run win against England on Thursday.
“In this game (against England), we were very steady and calm. We didn’t panic too much and that has been the key for us. You got to play good cricket and that’s what we want to do in the final as well. We’ll try our best, that’s all I can say. The team is in good shape, they are playing well. All I can hope is to put up another good show come the finals,” Rohit added.
India are unbeaten like South Africa in the current tournament. While the former are playing their third final (2007,2014) the latter is playing their first T20 World Cup final. While the bowling attacks of both teams have performed well it is the batting line-ups that have blown hot and cold which the teams would be hoping will come good on Saturday.
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First uploaded on: 28-06-2024 at 21:01 IST
