Rohit Sharma has been there and done a few things. After struggling to cement his place in the XI for a few years, he has become indispensable in all formats. His contribution and ability was acknowledged when he was named captain of the national team. But, at 36, he thinks there is something he has not achieved yet. That is holding aloft the 50-over World Cup trophy.
Speaking to the media a day before India open their campaign against Australia, Rohit emphatically stated that this event is “unfinished business” for him. Sachin Tendulkar had similar thoughts before the 2011 World Cup. Rohit’s illustrious career boasts two ICC titles — the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Still, for him, the pinnacle of achievement in cricket is this World Cup.
Asked about his aspiration, Rohit commented, “It’s the biggest prize that you can have in your career. But again, there’s a way to do it. There’s a procedure that you need to follow. There’s a process to it.”
The skipper is aware that desperation can lead to unwanted outcomes. So, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between hunger and composure. “Balance to stay desperate and stay hungry for scoring runs, lifting the trophy, winning games, whatever that is. But there is a balance that you need to find.”
He thinks that after doing everything, a team needs a bit of good fortune as well. “Obviously, we have to leave a lot of things to the almighty, because we need that luck, a little bit of luck in the tournament.”
The captain’s long journey in international cricket has taught him the art of handling high-pressure situations without letting them burden the team. He explains, “The 16 years of cricket has taught me how to go through the moments and how to handle those pressures and not to let that pressure come on to the team.”
Rohit takes pride in the tough characters that constitute the squad. “We are Indian cricketers. We are supposed to go through pressure times, situations. I see a lot of strong mental characters in this squad, who have come through hardships in their career.”
In the quest for the World Cup, Rohit’s determination, respect for experience, emphasis on balance, and belief in his team’s resilience set the stage up for an eventful campaign. With a hunger for victory that transcends personal glory, the skipper leads India with the determination of settling a few scores. In his words, it’s time to take care of the “unfinished business”.