India have qualified for the World Cup semi-final without losing a match in the league stage.
The Men in Blue were the most dominant side in the league stage as they won all their nine games comprehensively.
On the eve of the knockout fixture, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference, where he was asked if this is the best Indian ODI team ever.
In reply, Rohit gave a rather diplomatic answer before explaining how role clarity has played a big part in the current team’s success.
“I wasn’t part of the 2011 team. I don’t know which team is better. Hard to say. I can’t say 2019 is better than 2023 or not,” Rohit said in the presser.
“What I can say is that the role clarity is very clear in this World Cup team. I am not saying there was no role clarity in 2019; just that I wasn’t part of the management then. I would say all teams I was part of were dominant.”
The Indian captain highlighted the importance of taking one game at a time throughout the tournament and he is going to the semi-final with the same mindset.
“First getting through the qualifying stage, then semifinal and then the final, there are processes you have to do.”
When asked if he thinks about his journey, Rohit said: “Honestly, no time to think about all that. Right now, it’s about the business of getting the job done for the team. Perhaps after 19th November [the day of the final], I can think. We know how important this week is.”
When asked if his mind gets clogged with thoughts about cricketing matters before a big game, Rohit gave an amusing reply.
“Chalta hai (the mind does that), but I am not living alone. The family is with me. So my mind is occupied. We keep away from cricket once we go to the room. If there is a chance not to think about cricket, one should do it.”
”Poora din soch ke bhi kya ho jayega (What will happen even if you keep thinking (about cricket) the whole day?”
Talking about his captaincy, Rohit said: “I don’t have any mantra for captaincy. As a captain, I think if you want to play a certain way of cricket, the team should know it. If a certain player wants to play a particular way, then he has to be backed. I have to give credit to Rahul [Dravid] bhai also for backing me on that – not changing any player’s approach even if it doesn’t come off at certain times. Role clarity and freedom is key.”
Rohit Sharma also opened up on the team environment under his leadership. “It’s been a conscious effort not to only go over the results. It’s not the job of one player or two. It involves everyone, even the support staff.”
“In Dharamsala, we even had a fashion show. Good that no one knew about it. It’s good that some things are kept within the team. These activities help in bonding. There will be pressure. Once you reach the ground, it’s up to the individuals how they want to take it forward. But before that, we have tried off-field to have a good environment.”
When the question about past World Cups came up, Rohit mentioned that his team is focusing on the present.
“Honestly, that’s the beauty of this team. Half the guys weren’t even born when we won the first World Cup (in 1983). In 2011, half of them weren’t even playing serious cricket. These guys are focused on the present. I don’t see them talking about the past – they are thinking how to improve. The focus is always on the present. What we can achieve today, that sets you up for tomorrow.”
(The Indian Express Inputs)