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As the cricket world anticipates the commencement of the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023, set to kick off on October 5 with the participation of 10 formidable teams, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has shared his thoughts on the significant trend of host nations clinching the World Cup title in recent editions.
India’s first sole hosting
This year marks a historic moment as India hosts the 50-over mega event exclusively for the very first time, sparking high hopes and expectations from cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. Rohit Sharma, who leads the Indian squad, has been tipped as a potential captain to lead the team to victory on home soil.
Coping with pressure
Addressing the formidable pressure that comes with being the host nation, Rohit acknowledges the immense challenge it poses for his team. During the ICC’s ‘Captain’s Day’ event in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (October 4), the 36-year-old expressed his confidence in the team’s preparation and emphasized the need to stay focused amid the expectations.
“I know what is at stake. The guys who are a part of the team know what is at stake. For us, it is about taking everything out and focussing on what we want to do as a team,” Rohit said.
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Rohit Sharma’s perspective on the host team’s World Cup success.
Recognizing that the World Cup is a lengthy tournament, Rohit emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time. This strategic approach aims to ensure the team’s sustained performance and success throughout the competition.
“It ((hosts winning the WC) has happened in the last three editions of the World Cup. It is a long tournament and you cannot get too far ahead of yourself. It is important for us to try and focus on one job at a time and move on. That’s all I can say at this point in time because it’s a pretty long tournament and I do understand that you can’t get too far ahead of yourself. So, it’s important for us that we try and focus on one job at a time and then move on from there,” the Nagpur-born cricketer added.
Shutting out external noise
In his address, Rohit advised his teammates to block out external pressures and distractions. Focusing solely on the game and disregarding external noise is crucial to maintaining a winning mindset.
“We need not worry about the expectations, because they are always going to be there. We don’t have to worry about who we are playing and what is happening elsewhere, because it is time now for us to just be secluded and focus on what we want to do as a team. The guys are used to going through the pressure whether it is playing in India or away. Pressure is something that is not going to leave sportsmen as long as you play the sport. It is always going to be there, so leave that aside, focus on the job at hand,” Rohit concluded.
The journey begins
Team India’s quest for a second home World Cup victory will commence with a fixture against Australia in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. As anticipation builds, Rohit’s leadership and strategic mindset will be instrumental in guiding India’s journey in this prestigious cricketing event.
With the stage set, fans eagerly await the action-packed matches and unforgettable moments that the quadrennial event promises to deliver on Indian soil.
