Never wanted to look too far ahead, it was one game at a time: Rohit

India’s return to home in an ODI World Cup meant that there was going to be added pressure on the hosts. India’s last ICC event title came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where they beat England in a tight final. Ever since, India have come close to the silverware, only to end up finalists in the 2017 edition of the same tournament. 

But when it came to the other ICC events - the World Cups - all that the Men in Blue could do was reach the semi-final stage before getting knocked out. So, the pressure was huge on Rohit Sharma and co, but the Indian skipper was clear that the management never wanted to look ‘too far’ ahead, and reckoned that it was always about taking one game at a time.

“Since we started the tournament, it was all about one game at a time. We never wanted to look too far ahead. It is a long tournament, 11 games in all if we go all the way. It was important to break it down and focus on it. We focused on one game. We are playing in different venues and play accordingly and that's what we did,” a beaming Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation. 

“Very pleased at how we've played in these nine games. Very clinical from game one to today,” he added. 

At various points in the 2023 campaign, India have had several players put their hands up and put on a show. The clash against the Netherlands was all about Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul bringing up their century, ensuring that every single Indian player is currently on song, ahead of the first semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. 

“Different individuals have stepped up and put their hand up and done the job. Everyone wanted to take the responsibility. Playing in different venues, it was a challenge. We adapted really well,” Rohit added. 

India’s strength in the tournament was always going to be chasing, but as the event progressed, the Men in Blue made conscious efforts to put up winning totals on board and defend them with utmost ease. 

“We started the tournament four games in a row chasing, and then we had to bat first and the pacers did the job along with the spinners. The result do matter to keep the dressing room lively,” he insisted. 

Hardik Pandya’s injury meant that India were short on an all-round option, but India worked that out with the inclusion of Mohammed Shami, who picked up 16 wickets in the tournament, which has solved a major worry for India - an additional bowling option. But Rohit insisted that India are looking to create a sixth option, with the Men in Blue trying out nine options. 

“We wanted to play with enjoyment on the field. We try to keep the atmosphere outside lively. [Sixth bowler] It is something that is always in our mind. We want to create those options in the team, today we had nine options. This was the game we could have tried certain things,” Rohit stated. 

The Netherlands captain Scott Edwards was in full praise of their opposition India on the night, but at the same time, the wicketkeeper-batter reckoned that the Oranje have to bat a lot better heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States. 

“They [India] are as good a side going around. We will have to be a lot better going into the T20 World Cup next year. They showed pure class with the bat. Playing to learn with that. They soaked up the pressure,” Edwards said.