Ahead of India’s five-match T20 series against England, Rohit Sharma, India’s limited-overs’ vice-captain said that he would want Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kisan to enjoy their moments instead of thinking about other things. Yadav, Kishan and Rahul Tewatia got their maiden call-ups to the squad. Yadav and Kishan play under Rohit in the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians.
“I do not want them thinking about anything. Watching them closely for a few years now, I have realised that it’s important for them to come here and be part of this set-up which the team has and the team has tasted success for all these years. I just want them to be having fun and understanding what this team is all about,” said Rohit on Wednesday.
“Keeping in mind that this is the first time that they have been selected into the squad, they will be nervous, they will be thinking about performances and all that.
“It is important for people like me and some senior members of the coaching staff to tell them it is just another team that you have got to be a part of. You just have to enjoy the moment. Thinking about performances and what I need to do if I get an opportunity will only put pressure on them.
“I think it is important for them to just have fun, relax and be part of this wonderful set up first and when the opportunity comes… I am sure these guys have done well especially last year and it is about carrying that form and putting it out here,” he added.
When asked if they are eyeing the series against England as dress rehearsal, Rohit said: “You are playing for the country, you are wearing that jersey, there is no rehearsal here.”
“There is no time for rehearsal, you have to be at it. It does not matter which opponent you are playing; you are wearing the national jersey, it is important for us to win the series and do our best.”
“There is no time for rehearsal, you have to be at it. It does not matter which opponent you are playing, you are wearing the national jersey, it is important for us to win the series and do our best.
“(We are) Not thinking too far ahead, it is about being present in the moment and the future will take care of itself. We need to focus on what is on our hands, it is a five-match series and it is a long series.
“As a team, it is important for us to know where we stand. But there is no time for rehearsal here and we need to have the mindset of winning each and every game,” he added.
The five-match T20 series against England is starting on March 12. All five matches will be played at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.
