India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the semifinal at Wankhede Stadium on November 15.
Indian batter Shreyas Iyer opened up about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, team management’s support, and the team’s practice sessions after they made it to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Iyer made 105 off 70 balls and stitched a 163-run partnership with Virat Kohli (117) for the third wicket to help Team India put 397 on the board.
Later, the Men in Blue successfully defended the total thanks to Mohammad Shami's 7/57, thrashing New Zealand by 70 runs to qualify for the final of the 2023 World Cup, which will be played in Ahmedabad on November 19.
After the match, Shreyas Iyer lauded Rohit for providing great starts to the Indian team and his “infectious” captaincy, as the hosts recorded 10 out of 10 wins in the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer told Star Sports: “Rohit sets the template, gives us the starts where we have to just go and carry forward from the base he gives. He is a fearless captain. You can see that in his body language and it's kind of infectious, rubs off on all the players.”
Speaking about the backing from the management, Iyer said: “It is pivotal, coming from the captain and coach. I did not have a great start to the World Cup. They told me not to worry about the outside noise, we are backing you, so you just got to go out there and express yourself.”
The Mumbaikar further talked about the pressure, “To be honest, in pressure situations, you tend to get nervous but at the same time it is also fun playing in front of so many people and if you perform they lift you up.”
Iyer signed off by saying about India’s training sessions, “It is definitely intense. We see to it that we play the most difficult bowler. Whenever Jasprit Bumrah comes with the new ball I face him because you know it's going to be difficult and it helps you for the matches.”
Notably, India qualified for the World Cup final for the fourth time after 12 years.
(With Star Sports/PTI Inputs)