Wounded Rohit left 'sore' but finds comfort in India's T20 World Cup opening victory
Tom Patey
June 5, 2024 02:22 MYT
June 5, 2024 02:22 MYT
Rohit Sharma was left a "little sore" after retiring hurt in India's convincing T20 World Cup triumph over Ireland, though found comfort in his side's disciplined performance.
India captain Rohit retired hurt after making 52 in the second innings in New York as Rahul Dravid's side chased a 97-run target with more than seven overs to spare.
The opening batter was struck on the upper arm by a vicious Josh Little delivery in the ninth over, subsequently leaving the field before Rishabh Pant's 36 not out eased India over the line.
Rohit conceded the pain remained in his post-match interview before focusing on the positives of his team's bowling showing, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh all impressing.
He said: "Just a little sore. New ground, new venue, wanted to see what it's like to play on; I don't think the pitch settled down, there was enough there for the bowlers.
"Stick to your basics, think about Test match bowling. Arshdeep can swing the ball into the right-handers and that set the tone.
"If the conditions are there for the seamers, we wanted them in the squad. The spinners will play their part later in the tournament. We are open to making changes to the team's needs."
Impressive & effective! #TeamIndia's clinical bowling display in numbers #T20WorldCup | #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/Zag2z0bU50 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 5, 2024
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Bumrah produced a blistering spell, taking two wickets for just six runs from his three overs as Ireland limped to 96 all out in New York.
"When you come here and the ball is seaming around with some bounce and pace, I would never complain," Bumrah added. "You have to be proactive, you can't preempt things.
"You realise how the wicket is and then go back to what works for you. Once the seam goes down the pitch does settle down.
"You have to be prepared to bowl in all conditions, so very happy today."
India meet fierce rivals Pakistan on Sunday after their opening World Cup victory, and Rohit expects his team to be flexible once again dependent on conditions.
"I don't know what to expect from the pitch but we will prepare as if conditions are going to be like that," Rohit continued.
"That will be a game where all 11 of us need to come together and contribute.
"It was scratchy but good to spend time in the middle, hopefully we can do the same [against Pakistan]."