• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Result Matters Rohit Sharma After India Ravages Ned Ahead Of World Cup 2023 Semis

‘Result Matters’ - Rohit Sharma After India Ravages NED Ahead Of World Cup 2023 Semis

image-lovql0vmRohit Sharma scored 61 against NED at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

The Indian team, under Rohit Sharma, pulverised Netherlands by 160 runs to conclude their World Cup 2023 league stage with ninth win in a row. As the ‘Men in Blue’ brace themselves for the imminent knockouts, captain Sharma spoke about the challenges his troops have overcome so far in the tournament.

The dashing opening batsman also emphasised the importance of winning matches, even dead-rubbers, and the impact it makes on the dressing room in high-profile tournaments like World Cups.

Rohit Sharma says team taking a game at a time

Following India’s 160-run routing of Netherlands extended their unbeaten World Cup 2023 run to nine matches, captain Rohit Sharma said that his team has been focusing on one game at a time. Considering India’s tournament schedule has ensured them to play each of their nine league fixtures in nine different venues, the batting veteran praised his troops for successfully adapting to different conditions throughout the competition.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma said:

“We focused on one game. We are playing in different venues and play accordingly, and that's what we did. We are very pleased with how we have played throughout the tournament. We have been very clinical from game one to today. We have had to shift to different venues for different games and adapt to the conditions.”

Rohit Sharma also asserted the importance of winning matches as it helps to maintain the “lively” atmosphere of the dressing room. He further praised his fast bowlers and spinners for keeping the pressure on opposition batters, be it while bowling first or while defending a total. He added:

“We started the tournament with four chasing games in a row. Then we had to bat first, and the pacers did the job along with the spinners. The result matters to keep the dressing room lively. At the end of the day, we are playing for India, and there will be expectations. We always try to keep the outside atmosphere lively.”

Skipper Sharma also defended his decision of employing himself, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav with the ball during the second half of Netherlands innings. The cricketer claimed that the team management has been actively searching for a sixth bowling option, and the match against Netherlands was a perfect opportunity to test out a few combinations.

“The 6th bowler is something that is always in our mind. We want to create those options in the team. Today, we had nine bowling options.”

Rohit Sharma will now be seen leading his troops against New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. The much-awaited faceoff will be hosted by the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.