Rohit Focuses on Tempo, Not Milestones, Stars in Win Over Australia

Milestones "don't matter" to India captain Rohit Sharma, whose only goal when batting is to "put bowlers under pressure" by smashing them all over the field, even though he missed a potentially historic hundred.

In their last Super 8 match of the 2017 T20 World Cup, India defeated former champions Australia by 24 runs on Monday thanks to Rohit's 92-run innings that came off 41 deliveries. West Indian swashbuckler Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest T20 World Cup century, having achieved it in 47 deliveries during the 2016 tournament.

Anticipated to be named player of the match for the remarkable display, highlighted by eight sixes and seven fours, the 37-year-old stated his main goal was to keep the "tempo" of the game moving. On June 27, India will play England in the second semifinal.

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India defeated Australia by 24 runs to go to the T20 World Cup semifinals.
India defeated Australia by 24 runs to go to the T20 World Cup semifinals.
"You should attempt to support yourself to play those kinds of shots; it was a good wicket. It's something I've been attempting to do for a few years, and I'm happy it worked out today. Regardless of the hundreds or the fifties, I just wanted to keep batting at the same pace and keep going.

"You want to make big scores, yes, but at the same time you want to make the bowlers think where the next shot is coming, and I think I managed to do that today," he said.

"You require high scores in order to exert pressure on the bowlers. I made an effort to get information from all angles, not just one." India's victory was no "breeze," according to Rohit, who acknowledged that in order to deflate the balloon of the 2021 winners, he had to adjust his batting approach.

After his opening partner Virat Kohli went for a duck, Rohit played some lovely strokes on the off side. Rohit claimed he had to play more balls on the off side in order to lessen the impact because the wind was a constant obstacle.

There seemed to be a strong breeze blowing over right from the first. I realized I needed to open up the off side as well since they (Australia) altered their strategy and started bowling against the wind," he remarked.

"You have to account for the breeze, recognize that the bowlers are astute as well, and open up every area of the field. After the game, the captain of India stated, "You can access all areas of the field when you keep an open mind and don't just think of one shot."

Anything can happen while playing on a field like this where wind is a factor, but I felt like we made excellent use of the circumstances. The way we were completing those overs and picking up wickets concurrently was really encouraging." In addition, Rohit stated that after witnessing seamer-friendly conditions in the US, he was certain wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be at his most effective in the West Indies. On Monday, Kuldeep showed his faith again by scoring a solid 2/24 in his four overs.

We are aware of Kuldeep's strengths, but you must make use of them when necessary. Although the pitches in New York were geared toward seamen, we thought he would be important in the future." The captain went on to say that he hoped India would perform similarly in the knockout stages as well.

"We want to play the same (in the knockout stages). We wish to play in unison, comprehend what each person must do in a particular circumstance, and engage in unrestricted play.

"We have been doing that consistently thus far, and we have to attempt to do the same thing in the semifinals. Playing England in the semifinals will be pleasant. Nothing changes for us; instead, we want to concentrate on our collective abilities and attack the game." Marshrues lost out on opportunities. Mitchell Marsh, the captain of Australia, acknowledged that India were superior that day despite dropping a sitter and failing to build on his strong start at bat.

"It's disheartening...India defeated us today. I believe there were several close calls throughout the 40 overs, but in all honesty, India was the superior team," he said. "Rohit Sharma got off to an amazing flier, and we've seen what he can accomplish in that kind of mood for the past fifteen years. India was too good for us, but in a run chase like that, you're in it if you can maintain it at tens (10 runs per over) for as long as possible."

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