Rohit Sharma has revealed the unique atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan matches, particularly recalling the T20 World Cup 2024 encounter in New York. Sharma, who led India to victory in that tournament, shared that the team faced an unusual situation leading up to the high-stakes game.
Speaking on JioHotstar's special program 'Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se', Rohit disclosed that there was a security threat before the match. As a result, two days before the game, the team wasn't allowed to leave their hotel. "Before the India vs Pakistan match, we were told there was a threat - something was going on. So, two days before the game, we weren't allowed to step out of the hotel," Rohit stated.
This restriction created a unique atmosphere within the hotel. Rohit described how the hotel was packed with fans and media, making it difficult to move around. "We were ordering food in, and the hotel was so packed you could barely walk. Fans, media - everyone was there," he recounted. This unusual environment heightened the sense that the match was more than just another game. "That's when you realise this isn't just another match - something special is about to happen," he added.
Despite the pressure and restrictions, the pre-match energy was palpable. As the team approached the stadium, the atmosphere transformed into a celebration, with Indian and Pakistani fans dancing and enjoying themselves. "As soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration — Indian fans, Pakistani fans, all dancing and enjoying themselves," Rohit said.
Rohit, a veteran of numerous India-Pakistan clashes, emphasized the unique feeling associated with these encounters. "I've played so many India–Pakistan games now — I've lost count — but that pre-match energy, that feeling… It's always something else. Nothing compares to it," he explained.
In the match itself, India faced a challenging situation after being bowled out for a modest 119. Rishabh Pant's crucial knock of 42 runs off 31 balls proved vital in reaching that total. Rohit praised Pant for his fearless approach, saying, "We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh - do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely. And he did that perfectly".
Defending a low score on a tricky New York pitch required a strategic approach. Rohit lauded the performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, who bowled exceptionally well under pressure. Bumrah's figures of 3-14 earned him the Player of the Match award. Rohit emphasized the importance of taking early wickets, stating, "I knew that if we got 2–3 early wickets with the new ball, that 119 would start to feel like 160".
India ultimately secured a memorable six-run victory in the low-scoring thriller. Reflecting on the win, Rohit said it was simply "a tick in the box to move ahead in the tournament, nothing else". He emphasized that while beating Pakistan is significant, the ultimate goal is to win the World Cup. "Agar Pakistan ko hara diya aur World Cup nahin jeeta, toh chalega? Nahi chalega (If we beat Pakistan and do not win the World Cup, will it be okay? It's not okay)," Rohit affirmed. India went on to win the T20 World Cup 2024, defeating South Africa in the final.
