India are set to face England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday (June 27).
The Rohit Sharma-led side will not only look to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament but will also be determined to avenge the embarrassing 10-wicket defeat of the last T20 World Cup against the defending champions.
Ahead of the knockout fixture, Rohit addressed a press conference, where he highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and simplicity under pressure.
While staying calm has been effective for Rohit over the years, he acknowledged that occasional on-field outbursts are natural and acceptable.
"See, I think it's important to stay cool, calm when you're in this environment," Sharma told reporters.
"Something that has worked for me over the years is staying calm and composed because I know that I have to make decisions on the field. So, for me, it has worked in the past where I have stayed calm and composed. But yeah, like sometimes you can lose your cool as well at the end of the day. I am a human being as well and if I see something that we have spoken of and that is not happening, sometimes you can lose your cool as well but that is completely alright."
Rohit Sharma also mentioned the high-pressure environment that the Indian players constantly encounter, whether in bilateral series or ICC tournaments.
"The Indian cricket team goes through very high-pressure situations most of the time. Wherever we play, whether it's a bilateral series, ICC tournaments, the Indian cricket team is always under pressure. That's the fact. And it's not just now. It's been since the time I started playing. I'm sure it was there before also. But since the time I started playing, it's always been like that," Rohit said.
"So, most of the guys are used to it. And then for us, it makes it more important then, to have a little bit of calmness in the dressing room while we are playing, in the hotels, and stuff like that. There's no point thinking too much and getting overexcited about it. I think it's important that everyone stays under control and then just take the game as it comes," he elaborated.
The Indian captain then underscored the significance of having experience players in the squad.
"That is why I keep talking about experience in our squad. And that is where experience actually helps when you have such experience in your squad. And when there is a situation which is slightly tough, or you're going through some pressure overs and things like that, you've got individuals to make those decisions there. What is the right one to do and what is the right one to take? And we completely back those decisions."
Rohit further stressed on team unity and backing each other's decisions, even in tough situations.
"That's where I think as a team, you can all be on one page. Because certain individuals trying to do certain things and then the last thing we want to do is have a disagreement on that. And I don't think that's the right way. Whatever they do, you’ve got to back them to do that."
The pitches in the Caribbean have been helpful for the spinners, but Rohit Sharma remained tight-lipped about playing four spinners in the all-important semi-final.
"We will assess the conditions and then take a call on four spinners. We will see," he remarked.
(With India Today Inputs)
