The number one ranked T20I side India will start their campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 with a high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In their last meeting at the 2021 T20 World Cup, Pakistan managed to get the better of India and secured a 10-wicket win. This time, the Men in Blue will look to settle the score against Babar Azam & Co.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has shared his views on what could be India’s playing XI. Rohit said he has already locked in the final XI as he wants to give the players ample time to prepare for the big encounter.
“I don’t believe in last-minute decisions. We want to keep our boys informed about team selection before so that they can prepare early. I already have my XI for the Pakistan match. Already those players are informed. I don’t believe in a last-minute thing. I want them to prepare well,” said Rohit in the all-skipper press conference ahead of the T20 WC.
“We understand the importance of India vs Pakistan match, but there is no point in talking every time, even when we met during Asia Cup, we kept talking about the families and which cars do you have. Teams have become fearless, and we’re looking to adopt the same approach. 140 used to be a winning total back then, but now teams aim to reach there in 14-15 overs,” he added.
Notably, the Indian side will be without their frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the global showpiece event due to a back injury. The inaugural T20 Winners have filled in the place by adding senior pro Mohammed Shami to the 15-member squad.
