• Rohit Sharma dismisses past defeats, emphasizes present focus.
• Wankhede’s emotional significance noted, but Rohit shifts to the upcoming semi-final.
• Despite pressure, Rohit remains optimistic, highlighting the team’s commitment to improvement.

In a press conference ahead of the World Cup semi-final clash with New Zealand, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that the team’s history of defeats against the Kiwis in crucial matches is “all in the past.” Despite past setbacks, India enters the semi-final having won all nine round-robin games in impressive fashion.

The semi-final, scheduled at Rohit’s home ground, Wankhede Stadium, holds particular significance as it was the same venue where India clinched the 2011 World Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka. However, memories of a heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final loom large.

Rohit, determined to shift the focus to the present, stated, “That’s the beauty of this team,” highlighting that the current players are more focused on the present moment rather than dwelling on historical losses. He underscored the team’s commitment to improvement and emphasized the need to concentrate on individual contributions and strategies.

Addressing the perennial pressure on Indian cricketers, Rohit acknowledged that playing for the country comes with constant expectations, saying, “If you are an Indian cricketer, then whatever the format, whatever the tournament, there is always pressure.” He stressed the team’s efforts to stay focused on their game and strategies while dealing with external pressures.

Rohit, who earlier spoke about having “unfinished business,” now sees the semi-final as a business to be conducted for the team. Star batter Virat Kohli, the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 594 runs, is closing in on a historic milestone, needing just one more century to surpass the record of 49 ODI hundreds shared with Sachin Tendulkar.

Despite India’s impressive batting lineup and a formidable bowling attack featuring the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, Shami, Jadeja, and Yadav, Rohit acknowledged New Zealand as a disciplined and smart cricketing side. He praised the Kiwis’ understanding of their opposition and highlighted their disciplined and strategic style of play.

As the cricket-crazy nation eagerly awaits the semi-final showdown, Rohit Sharma remains optimistic about his team’s chances and is determined to overcome the past and secure a spot in the World Cup final.

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