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As the World Cup final against Australia approaches in Ahmedabad on Sunday (November 19), India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a “calm” demeanor.
“Just going there and keeping it nice and easy, calm. Like I’d said when you asked me that question I said that yeah it’ll be nice to win the World Cup. In the same tone, I want to say it now again.”
“It’ll be nice to do it because we’ve worked really hard for it. But again we don’t want to get too excited or you don’t want to feel too much pressure about it. You know, a balanced atmosphere and balanced thinking at this stage will be really nice.”
The home side enters the clash as strong favorites, having won all ten of their previous games in the tournament. The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to host around 100 thousand fans for the eagerly anticipated match.
“Look, I don’t believe in that aura and all that. You have to come to the ground well and play good cricket. It’s important to have confidence in such games. We played 10 matches well. But again, if you make mistakes tomorrow, then whatever good work you did in those 10 matches, it gets wasted.”
Sharma, who has been in sensational form with 550 runs in the tournament, downplays discussions about an “aura” surrounding the team. Instead, he directs the focus towards the significance of not letting a defeat against Australia overshadow their string of impressive results.
“Before the start of the World Cup, I wanted to play in a certain manner. I had no idea if it’s going to come off… what if it doesn’t come off? I had plans for both. If it comes off, what I am going to do in the next game, if it doesn’t come off what I am going to do in the next game,” said Rohit Sharma.
“For me what’s important is because I start the innings, there’s a bit of freedom there for me to go and express myself. But you must have seen in that game against England I had to change my game a bit once we lost a few wickets,” he added.
“I’m prepared to do that as well. That’s what the experienced player needs to do. You can’t just think you have to play one way. You have to adapt quickly knowing the situations that are there in front of you. I’m prepared to do whatever I feel is right for the team.”
India, with two World Cup titles, last claimed victory in 2011, while Australia remains the most successful country in the tournament with five trophy wins.
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