Rohit Sharma (1)

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India is getting all ready for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening clash of the T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23 in Melbourne. While the hype for the game is already skyrocketing and experts in the business are making a whole lot of predictions about the game between two fierce rivals, the Indian skipper has recently claimed that he has already finalised his playing XI for the match against Pakistan.

The two teams met twice in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 in the United Arab of Emirates where the results were perfectly poised with each team winning a game. India clinched the first faceoff in the continental tournament while the Men in Green avenged beat India in the Super 4 stage. While a final between the two teams was expected, India went on to lose against Sri Lanka to bow out of the competition.  

Having said that, a fresh tournament will be a fresh opportunity for both teams to script a new chapter in the history of their rivalry in the ICC tournament. Ahead of this chapter of the rivalry, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has recently claimed that he does not believe in taking last-minute decisions due to which boys who are playing the October 23 match have been informed about their selection.

While addressing the media during a pre-tournament presser in Melbourne, Rohit said, "I don't believe in last-minute decisions. We want to keep our boys informed about team selection before so that they can prepare early. I already have my XI for the Pakistan match. Already those players are informed. I don't believe in a last-minute thing. I want them to prepare well. We understand the importance of the India vs Pakistan match but there is no point in talking every time."

Adding further, the dynamic batter claimed that earlier teams used to target 140-150 as a competitive target, but the dynamics have completely changed as the teams try to reach there in 14/15 overs.  The Indian skipper also commented on Mohammed Shami's arrival in Australia as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the squad by stating that Shami is also an experienced pacer and that he is looking forward to meeting him in Brisbane.