Team India T20 WC practice session and press conference: The countdown for begun. The bumper rivalry between two arch-rivals India and Pakistan is less than 24 hours away from adding another chapter to the already storied feud. On the eve of the huge clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed media houses in an engaging press conference. The Hitman spoke regarding the ‘uncertain’ New York pitch, Virat Kohli and revealed some plans ahead of the clash.
India’s ‘fearless brand of cricket’ for T20 World Cup
“You gotta be innovative and brave. There is a reason why we are playing with eight batters. Yes, conditions do matter and here you got to be mindful,” Rohit Sharma on playing a fearless brand of cricket.
What will India’s batting order look like?
“Watched Rishabh Pant play the first few matches in the IPL and made up my mind. It was about having the right batting position. His counter-attacking skill will be helpful, given we cannot play Yashasvi. He has got an all-round game. Besides the openers, none of the other batting position is fixed, unless it us a Super Over. We want to be flexible,” Rohit Sharma said.
Hitman doesn’t want to take Pakistan lightly
“In T20I, what matters is how you play on that day. It changes quickly. Remember they reached the final after losing to Zimbabwe in 2022,” Rohit Sharma responded to a question on Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma opens up on unexpected nature of Nassau County surface
“It’s tough but that’s why I would like to highlight the experience we have. The blows count for nothing. When you play in places like SA, AUS, we have to overcome the challenges. The Gabba test is one big example. We thrive in these difficult moments. It’s the WC, so nothing can get bigger than this,” Rohit Sharma said on the conditions.
“We don’t know what kind of wicket we play on. It doesn’t matter that we have in NY for more days than Pakistan. Even curator was confused regarding pitches so you can imagine our situation,” he added.
Skipper Rohit Sharma backs Virat Kohli to fire against PAK
“I don’t want to rely on one individual to win us the game. Everyone needs to chip in. He didn’t play the Bangladesh game. He didn’t have a great outing in the first game, but we all know he brings in a wealth of experience,” skipper Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference.
What are Team India’s plans?
“Playing good cricket holds the key. We have spoken about the conditions here. And have plans in place. We will try to give our best. There is lot of experience in our changing room. Making the right decision will be key,” said Rohit Sharma.
Low-scoring alert!
According to reports, the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium for the IND vs PAK clash will be the same which is currently being used for the Netherlands vs South Africa clash. With the current scenario in mind, it looks like we can be in for a low-scoring thriller for the IND vs PAK encounter!
Only 2 out 15 in practice!
In what has come as a major development, only two of the 15-member squad – Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube – have turned up for practice today. It seems like it is an ‘optional’ practice session in New York for India ahead of the Pakistan clash.
ROHIT INJURY SCARE!!!
According to reports, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was hit on his hand during training session on Friday (June 7). India would hope that it isn’t serious as the Hitman was also retired hurt in the opening clash against Ireland after taking a blow to his elbow.
Pre-match PC at 9 PM
A member from Team India will address the pre-match press conference at 9 PM after the Men in Blue’s training session ahead of IND vs PAK clash.
And the training begins!
SKY or CR7?
In a recent video uploaded by the Mumbai Indians, India star Suryakumar Yadav was seen having some ‘footy’ time in the practice session. He scored from a free-kick while Kuldeep Yadav, positioned as a goalie, couldn’t do much.
Team India practice from 6:30 pm IST!
The Men in Blue, who scored a rather comfortable win in their opening clash against Ireland, will gather for a final practice session before the IND vs PAK T20 WC clash. The training will take place at the Cantiague Park, a 15 minute ride from the newly built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The designated time for the practice session is between 6:30 pm IST to 9:30 pm IST (09h00 to 12h00 local time).
