India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, shared the tactical adjustments that helped him overcome Australia in their Super 8 clash at the T20 World Cup 2024.
The victory was not easily secured for India in their recent T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he had to modify his batting approach to counter the strategies of the 2021 champions. Sharma, named ‘Player of the Match’, showcased some impressive shots, particularly on the off side, scoring a crucial 92 off just 41 balls after his opening partner, Virat Kohli, was dismissed for a duck. Thanks to Rohit’s seven boundaries and eight sixes, India posted a total of 205/5 and successfully restricted Mitchell Marsh’s Australian team to 181/7, securing a 24-run win and advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.
With the wind being a significant factor, Rohit mentioned that he had to adapt his game to play more on the off side to counter its effect.
“From the first over, there was a strong breeze blowing across. Australia adjusted their plan, bowling into the wind, so I realised I needed to open up the off side as well.
“You need to take the breeze into account and remember that the bowlers are smart too, so it’s essential to open up all areas of the field. Keeping an open mind and not focusing on just one type of shot allows you to target all parts of the field,” said the Indian captain after the match.
“A score of 200 is generally solid, but on grounds where wind plays a role, anything can happen. I thought we adapted well to the conditions. It was satisfying to see how we navigated through the overs while taking wickets,” Rohit added. He also noted that he knew wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav would be at his best in the West Indies, after playing on seam-friendly pitches in the US.
Kuldeep delivered an outstanding performance, taking 2/24 in his four overs.
“We are aware of Kuldeep’s strengths, but it’s crucial to use them when needed. The pitches in New York favored seamers, but we anticipated his significant role later,” said Rohit. He emphasized that his focus was on maintaining the game’s momentum rather than scoring a century.
“It was a good pitch, and I wanted to back myself to play those shots. I’ve been working on that for a few years now, and I’m glad it worked today. The fifties and hundreds don’t matter as much; I wanted to keep the same tempo and continue.
“You aim to score big, but it’s also important to keep the bowlers guessing about your next shot. I think I achieved that today,” he added.
Rohit expressed that he wants India to maintain their current playing style in the knockout stages.
“We don’t want to change anything in the knockouts. We aim to play the same way, understanding individual roles in different situations, and play with freedom.
“We’ve been consistent so far, and we need to continue the same in the semifinals. Playing England in the semifinal will be exciting. Our focus remains on what we can do as a team and approach the game confidently.” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed a crucial catch and failed to capitalize on a promising start with the bat, admitted that India outplayed them.
“It’s disappointing. Although we still have a slim chance to progress, today India was superior. Throughout the 40 overs, there were many fine margins, but India proved to be the better team.
“We’ve seen for 15 years what Rohit Sharma is capable of when he is in form, and he got off to a flying start. In such a run chase, you’re in the game if you can keep the required rate around ten runs per over, but India outperformed us,” Marsh conceded.
