Who can forget the thrilling, high-stakes match between India and Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York? India defended a paltry 119 at Nassau County in New York, defeating the arch-rivals by six runs under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Days before the momentous day marking the one-year anniversary of the T20 World Cup victory, Rohit spoke candidly about the match against Pakistan, stating that there was a "threat" prior to the match.
Rohit also discussed how the threat prevented his squad from leaving their hotel rooms. He continued by discussing how it was difficult to even enter the hotel due to the large number of Indian and Pakistani fans present there when the players were placing their lunch orders.
For the most part of the encounter against Pakistan, India were behind. But Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh pulled off India's historic resurgence.
“Before the India vs Pakistan match, we were told there was a threat — something was going on. So, two days before the game, we weren’t allowed to step out of the hotel. The atmosphere started building from there," Rohit said on JioHotstar.
“We were ordering food in, and the hotel was so packed you could barely walk. Fans, media — everyone was there. That’s when you realise this isn’t just another match — something special is about to happen. As soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration — Indian fans, Pakistani fans, all dancing and enjoying themselves,” he added.
Rohit, who has participated in many games against Pakistan, remarked that there was incredible enthusiasm from both sets of supporters and the experience of facing the bitter enemy in New York was unmatched.
“I’ve played so many India–Pakistan games now — I’ve lost count — but that pre-match energy, that feeling… It’s always something else. Nothing compares to it,” said Rohit.
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India batted first in the match against Pakistan and were dismissed for 119 in 19 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant who batted at number three, scored 42 off 31 balls, the most by an Indian batter.
Speaking of Pant's knock, Rohit said, “We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh — do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely. And he did that perfectly. His innings was around 42, and on that pitch, that’s as good as scoring 70.”
Bumrah then assisted India in containing Pakistan and achieving an unforgettable six-run victory. Even Arshdeep was economical, which helped to restrain Babar Azam and company.
“With Bumrah, you’ve got to be proactive in how you use him. He’s a wicket-taker, and at the same time, he’s not going to leak runs. So, how do you balance that, especially when the opposition is chasing at a run-a-ball?"
“Arshdeep has been phenomenal too. Over the last two years, there’s a reason he’s become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is — he’s a really smart bowler. So, with both of them, my focus was on how to use their remaining overs strategically,” said Rohit.
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