New Delhi– India captain Rohit Sharma has described the electrifying atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches as unparalleled, saying no other fixture matches the intensity, excitement, and emotion associated with the historic rivalry.
Reflecting on the 2024 T20 World Cup clash between the two nations, Rohit recalled the buildup as being akin to a festival, with the anticipation beginning days before the match.
“Two days before the India-Pakistan match, we were told there was a threat, so we weren’t allowed to leave the hotel,” Rohit said on JioHotstar’s special Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se. “The hotel was packed — fans, media — it felt like something special was about to happen. And as soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration. Indian and Pakistani fans were dancing and enjoying together. That pre-match energy — nothing compares to it.”
In the closely contested encounter, India posted a modest 119 after early blows to the batting lineup, with only Rishabh Pant anchoring the innings. Pant’s 42 off 31 balls, featuring six boundaries, was the standout performance on a challenging surface, earning praise from Rohit.
“We just wanted Rishabh to be himself — play freely, unsettle the bowlers. That knock of 42 was like scoring 70 on that pitch,” he said. “We were aiming for around 140, but with early wickets falling, Pant’s innings really held us together.”
India’s total ultimately proved enough, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Jasprit Bumrah, who took 3 for 14 and was named Player of the Match. Rohit also credited Arshdeep Singh for his crucial role in defending the total.
“With Bumrah, you have to be proactive. He takes wickets and doesn’t leak runs. Arshdeep has also been phenomenal — India’s highest T20I wicket-taker in the last two years,” Rohit said. “On a pitch where new batters struggled to settle, our plan was to force fresh faces to the crease and keep the pressure on.”
India won the match by six runs, and Rohit’s comments reinforced the unmatched spectacle and strategic depth that defines India-Pakistan cricket clashes — not just for fans, but also for the players on the field. (Source: IANS)
