India vs Pakistan matches are always intense, emotionally charged, and carry enormous weight for players and fans alike. But ahead of their high-stakes meeting in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian team faced an unexpected challenge — a security threat.
Speaking on JioHotstar, former T20I captain Rohit Sharma shared a behind-the-scenes account of the build-up to that memorable game.
“Before the India vs Pakistan match, we were told there was a threat — something was going on. So, two days before the game, we weren’t allowed to step out of the hotel. The atmosphere started building from there,” Rohit revealed.
The intensity off the field was matched by the restrictions the team had to follow. With tight security in place, players had to remain confined to their hotel rooms. “We were ordering food in, and the hotel was so packed you could barely walk. Fans, media — everyone was there. That’s when you realise this isn’t just another match — something special is about to happen,” Rohit said. “As soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration — Indian fans, Pakistani fans, all dancing and enjoying themselves.”
India defended a modest total of 119 in that match against Pakistan
Batting first in the high-pressure match, India was bowled out for just 119 runs in 19 overs. Rishabh Pant top-scored with an aggressive 42 off 31 balls — an innings Rohit Sharma rated very highly, considering the conditions.
“We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh — do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely. And he did that perfectly,” Rohit said. “His innings was around 42, and on that pitch, that’s as good as scoring 70.”
Despite the modest total, India managed to defend it in dramatic fashion, winning the game by six runs. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell, taking 3 crucial wickets, while Arshdeep Singh’s control with the ball proved vital. “With Bumrah, you’ve got to be proactive in how you use him. He’s a wicket-taker, and at the same time, he’s not going to leak runs,” Rohit explained. “So, how do you balance that, especially when the opposition is chasing at a run-a-ball? Arshdeep has been phenomenal too.”
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