DTVHINDI
Rohit Sharma led from the front and scored a brilliant century (121* off 69 balls). Thanks to this inning, India won the third T20 match after the double super over against Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on January 17 and won the series 3-0. After this match, Rohit had a special conversation with JioCinema and Sports18 and answered some interesting questions.
1) To what extent was India able to execute its plans in the 3-0 series win?
We discussed a lot before the series. I had not played for a year, so I discussed ideas with Rahul bhai (Dravid). Although I was watching the match, I was not playing. I understood some things, so we wanted to implement them and also do something different.
We wanted our bowlers to bowl differently, no one was comfortable bowling in the power play, so we had to use them there. Some people were not comfortable bowling in the death overs, we asked them to bowl there.
2) How difficult was it to recover from the World Cup defeat?
I don’t think anyone needs inspiration here. All boys want to leave their mark. Not everyone gets a chance to play for India, so I’m sure all the boys who are here want to make the most of it. You can see that they are taking full advantage of the opportunities they are getting. With that approach, my and Rahul Bhai’s work has become very easy. We just need to provide clarity.
3) What did you do to reach this form after losing the World Cup?
The 50 over World Cup is the biggest World Cup for me. It is not that I do not give importance to the T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship. But, we have grown up watching the 50-over World Cup. And when it happens in India it is a very big tournament. Unfortunately we could not win. The whole team was sad. I’m sure all the fans were sad too. But now we have another opportunity and we will focus on how to use that opportunity and win the World Cup.
4) How much practice did you take to play that reverse sweep and switch hit in the third T20I?
I have been practicing it a lot in the nets. You have to play some shots to put pressure on the bowlers. When the ball is spinning and you can’t hit it straight, you have to try something new. I have been practicing reverse sweep and sweep for the last two years. You might have seen me playing him once or twice in Test matches. You have options and it is up to you how you use those options. The ball was turning and getting grip today, so I thought I would play with turn rather than going out and hitting it hard in front of the wicket.
