The 2023 edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is all set to kick-off on October 5, featuring 10 teams.
India will host the quadrennial event solely for the very first time. Hence, many experts have tipped the Rohit Sharma-led side to end the global trophy drought in home conditions.
Dealing with the pressure of expectations will be a big challenge for the Indian team during the home World Cup, but skipper Rohit is confident of his side’s preparation.
Speaking at the ICC's 'Captain's Day' event in Ahmedabad, Rohit on Wednesday (October 4) said they are used to going through the pressure and it is time for them to remain focused on the job.
"I know what is at stake. The guys who are a part of the team know what is at stake. For us, it is about taking everything out and focussing on what we want to do as a team," the Indian captain stated.
Rohit wants his team to focus on one match at a time as the World Cup is a long tournament.
"It ((hosts winning the WC) has happened in the last three editions of the World Cup. It is a long tournament and you cannot get too far ahead of yourself. It is important for us to try and focus on one job at a time and move on," he added.
Rohit also advised his teammates to shut the outside noise and forget about the pressure.
“We need not worry about the expectations, because they are always going to be there. We don't have to worry about who we are playing and what is happening elsewhere, because it is time now for us to just be secluded and focus on what we want to do as a team.
“The guys are used to going through the pressure whether it is playing in India or away. Pressure is something that is not going to leave sportsmen as long as you play the sport. It is always going to be there, so leave that aside, focus on the job at hand,” he said.
India are entering the showpiece tournament on the back of the Asia Cup 2023 triumph and the 2-1 ODI series win over Australia at home.
“It is very easy to say that (forget pressure) and it is going to be tough. But we have prepared really well. As long as you have prepared really well, it gives you a lot of confidence going into the main games,” Rohit said.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8.
“We start in Chennai on the 8th and we do understand the importance of every game that we play in this tournament. So, you have got to be on top of your game,” Rohit said.
“It is important that we look at the first game in Chennai, understand what we need to do as a team, go and assess the conditions and try and get your best combination. Then it is game time. It is all about executing your skills and what you have prepared for all this time and having trust and belief in whatever you do,” he further remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)
