India’s performance in the ongoing World Cup has been awe-inspiring, to say the least. The Men in Blue have won their six matches comprehensively so far against Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England.
With 12 points secured from six matches, the Rohit Sharma-led side stands on the verge of securing a spot in the semi-finals. A win against Sri Lanka on Thursday (November 2) in Mumbai would seal India’s place in the final four of the tournament.
On the eve of the Sri Lanka match, India skipper Rohit addressed a press conference, where he was asked about the workload management of the fast bowlers if the team qualifies for the semis with two league fixtures to spare.
In reply, Rohit said that the pacers are in excellent rhythm and prepared to give their best without seeking any rest.
"As far as resting for the bowlers is concerned, I think they are in great rhythm at this point in time. They don't want to rest. (Their) body is fine. This is the feedback that I have got from all the bowlers. So, they are happy to play games," Rohit told reporters.
The Indian captain highlighted the importance of spinners in the middle overs and hinted at the possibility of fielding three slow bowlers in the match against Sri Lanka.
"All sorts of combinations are possible. You can still play with three spinners and two seamers if need be," he said in response to a query if there will be changes in the bowling line-up.
"In this World Cup, you have seen spinners actually are the ones who are stopping that run-flow in the middle overs. I am keeping my options open, whether we have Hardik (Pandya) or not, at this point in time to play three spinners or not," Rohit further stated.
"If the situation demands for us to play three spinners, we will play three spinners. I feel spinners actually with a lot of skill-set can put the brakes on the scoring rate in the middle overs. Our spinners have got so much skill bowling in these conditions," he added.
Rohit, who is the leading run-getter for India in this World Cup, did not want to take all the credit for the team's success.
"It's not my thought process (that India is enjoying a dream run), it's the team's thought process that the guys comply with. When things look good, everything looks good, everything works well.
"I know how this whole thing works. I'm quite aware of one game here and there, I know suddenly I'll be a bad captain. I know how it works. I try and do what is necessary from the team's perspective and be sure of that," he said.
When asked if India go all the way without losing a match in this World Cup, Rohit replied by saying that the team is focusing on one match at a time.
"No, we are not thinking of going that far, honestly. We just want to win every match. I have said this so many times, that for us, every match that we play is important," Rohit said.
"How we do well in that, what things we didn't do in the last match, how we can do in this match. Our focus is on that. And after that, we move our vehicle forward. It won't be right for us to think about the future, that we have to go unbeaten, and stay unbeaten. I don't think that is the goal. The goal is to play every game and play it well," he remarked.
Rohit Sharma conceded that there were a lot of expectations from the passionate Indian fans but added it was "nice to have people expecting a lot of things from us".
"I'm sure all 15 of us (in the squad) when you travel in India, whether you're playing matches or not, there are people at the airport, in the flight next to you, or anywhere you are travelling, they will talk about your game. 'We want a hundred. We want to see you taking five wickets. We want to see you winning games, tournaments, series', and all of that," he said.
"I am sure all these things have been in the players' ears since the beginning. I don't think it's pressure, but it's nice that people are expecting a lot of things from us. And a nice way to respond is we know how," Rohit said.
(With PTI Inputs)
