Rohit Sharma, India's captain, refused to take on the extra pressure of being called favourites to win the three-nation Twenty20 International tournament beginning in Sri Lanka today
Captains of Bangladesh, Mahmudullah Riyad (left), Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal and India, Rohit Sharma (right) pose with the Nidahas tri-nation T20I trophy in Colombo yesterday. Pic/AFP
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Rohit Sharma, India's captain, refused to take on the extra pressure of being called favourites to win the three-nation Twenty20 International tournament beginning in Sri Lanka today. "Whether we are favourites or not, that is not something I think about," said Rohit. "T20 is such a format where any team can win on that particular day. The game can change in a span of one over. On a given day, any team can beat anyone. How do I explain it? It's like the English Premier League. Some teams may be stronger, but anyone can win on a given day."
'Fortunate to be skipper'
Rohit was also pleased to lead his team, irrespective of who was in it and who wasn't. "I don't look at it that way that I don't have a full team. I'm very fortunate to get the opportunity to lead the team," said Rohit.
"Given the schedule nowadays and the amount of cricket we play, it's important to look after players and give them enough rest when needed. Whenever I've been asked to put on the captaincy cap, it's been an honour."
Rohit explained why this series is a great opportunity for him and others. "It's always important to know your bench strength. We're lucky that we have got quality players who are waiting to do well. They have been consistently performing in 'A' tours, Ranji Trophy and IPL. It's the right time to blood them," said Rohit.
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Sri Lanka are on guard
Chandika Hathurusingha, Sri Lanka's coach, did not quite see things as Rohit did. "If you go by the ratings, India is the No. 1 team, so they always start ahead of the other teams," said Hathurasinghe. "Whoever comes from India is a very strong team. We have to start well because we haven't been doing well at home. With Bangladesh, because of the last series, we probably have a little edge over them mentally. But still, India is the No. 1 team."
The SL coach did not want to fire any salvos, but he acknowledged that India missing their star players was less than ideal. "We can't control their selection. We are playing the Indian team, so whoever they play on that day, we prepare for them. If the stars are there, it's good for the spectators," he said.
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