The 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is all set to come to an end on Sunday (November 19). Hosts India will take on five-time champions Australia in the tournament final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
On the eve of the marquee final, India skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that the World Cup final is the biggest moment of his career and his teammates, adding that the side had been preparing for this day since he took over the captaincy.
Rohit highlighted the importance of sticking to their game and remaining calm and composed in the all-important game.
"This is a huge occasion without a doubt. Whatever we have dreamt so far is here. This is the most challenging aspect for professional sportsmen as to how you keep such challenges out of your minds and keep your focus. This is the biggest moment in our careers and it is important to stay calm and composed because that is where you can execute your plans better. You don't get to play World Cup finals daily. I have grown up watching 50-over World Cups so for me it'll be the biggest occasion," said Rohit in the pre-match presser.
"We have prepared for this day ever since I became the captain. We had to identify players in the last 2 years, as per the formats. We had given role clarity and lots of discussions between the captain and coach. The importance of role clarity is huge for us reaching this platform. We have tried our best to keep the mindset and roles clear. So far so good, hopefully tomorrow as well," he added.
Lauding Rahul Dravid's contributions, Rohit said that the head coach had given everyone a complete freedom to express themselves.
"Rahul bhai's contribution has been massive. He's given freedom and the liberty to everyone," he stated.
When asked if his players are able to keep calm, the captain replied: “Inside, what they feel, I can't tell you because I'm not spending 24 hours with them. So, I don't know how each individual will be feeling,”
“I said, being an Indian cricketer, you have to deal with pressure. It's going to be constant. Today we are playing, tomorrow someone else will play, the day after someone else will play. They have to deal with these kinds of pressure, criticism, and everything,” he further remarked.
Before India’s World Cup 2023 opener against Australia in Chennai last month, Rohit had said that it would be nice to win a World Cup.
While the stakes are completely different now, Rohit wants to keep his balance intact.
“A nice, balanced atmosphere and balanced thinking at this stage will be really nice. It's just not from me. I can sense that from every other player as well in the changing room,” he said.
“You know there's a laugh going around in the changing room, there's a bit of tense faces as well. I'm not going to hide that but that's normal. That is why this sport is so exciting because you see all different kinds of emotions,” he concluded.
(With PT I Inputs)
