Opening up on his strategy against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma stated that he had a fairly good idea about the strengths and weaknesses of the Black Caps. Rohit will be keen to deliver the goods against the Kiwis in the ICC World Test Championship at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
In an interview with broadcaster Star Sports, Rohit Sharma said, “Yeah, it is pretty simple, you are challenged for five days which does not happen anywhere. You are challenged every day and every day brings a different challenge. It is a longer game and you need to have patience and of course, you play in different conditions, so it is not the easiest when you play in different conditions.
I think for five days, you have to be at your best and physically, you need to be fit to accept those challenges and overcome those challenges.”
After delay in the WTC final, opener Rohit Sharma says that having played with and against the New Zealand players in international cricket and during the IPL, helped him read their game and will be able to counter the Kiwis.
He also spoke about the challenges in the 5-day format, and the skills, the mental ones, in particular, required in the longest form of the game.
“It will all come down to the conditions and the situation the team is in, all that will count, it is important not to overthink that much. When you are playing against top sides, it is important to keep things simple and realistic,” he added.
India asked to bat first in Southampton
The Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and asked India to bat first in the WTC final. Although Virat Kohli admitted that they would have also liked to bowl first but is ready for the challenge.
“We would’ve probably bowled first as well. But runs on the board has been our strength. In a big final, runs on the board, however many, are an advantage. As you saw the makeup of our side, the balance is such that we prepare for any conditions. We’ve been performing really well in Test cricket. For us this is just a Test match we have to be professional in, have to follow our processes,” Kohli said at the toss.
