“Certainly not going to be IPL kind of scores” – Rohit Sharma on the challenges of playing 2024 T20 World Cup matches in the US

Indian captain Rohit Sharma believes there will not be IPL kind of scores in the ongoing T20 World Cup, especially in the USA. Scores of more than 200 became a norm in IPL 2024 as the pitches were mostly flat. 

However, the pitches are on the slow side in the US and run-scoring has been difficult. On Monday, Sri Lanka was skittled out for a paltry score of 77 runs against South Africa in New York. 

“Certainly it doesn’t look like a place where you can score easily. So we’ve got to be a little mindful of that and see what best we can do. That is what the experience in the dressing room is all about and we have got a lot of that,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

“We are all coming off playing in IPL where a lot of runs were scored, so it’s important to have that balance, understand what is required here. It’s certainly not going to be an IPL kind of scores here, so we are very mindful of that and we just need to assess as quickly as possible and then bring your game into the picture,” the Indian captain went on to add.

Rohit feels the conditions are not easy and it is difficult to play against the spinners as the conditions are slow.

“When we played the game with Bangladesh, all three spinners bowled two overs. It wasn’t that easy to hit them. And in yesterday’s match (SA versus SL), the spinners also took wickets. No one knows the conditions,” the Team India opening batter explained.

Rohit added he is not going to take extra pressure and he would look to express himself at the top of the order. The Indian captain had played aggressively in the ODI World Cup 2023 and had delivered for the team.

“I have thought a lot about this thing. I am just going to go and play the way I can and get everyone together to play as a team. I will be focusing on that. Everyone in the team has their own way of dealing with tournaments like World Cup and I’m sure they’ll take the right calls as well.

“But for me, it’s important not to look too far ahead. Just think about what we need to do tomorrow, play the game well and then take it from there. Not think too much and put pressure on yourself,” Rohit added.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5th.