Team India is just one win away from clinching World Cup 2023 title as they face Australia in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, Sunday. The invincible India recorded 10 back-to-back victories to make it to the ODI World Cup final. Australia, on the other hand, after a few hiccups in their initial matches, scripted a stunning comeback and went on record eight successive wins to storm into the final. But heading into the title clash, India have an edge over Australia as Rohit Sharma's men have defeated Pat Cummins' brigade earlier in the ongoing tournament.
Everything has gone India's way in this World Cup and they will look to make the most of their momentum to break the decade-long drought of ICC trophy.
But captain Rohit has a message for his Indian teammates before the last dance. The Hitman wants his team to keep it nice and easy as it's time for a final push.
"Keeping it nice and easy and calm is what I believe in. I want to say the same thing, it'll be nice to win it because we have worked hard for it. A nice, balanced thinking will be good. There's a laugh going around in the changing room, there's a bit of tensed faces, I am not going to hide it. But that's the beauty of sport. We have to put our game face on. Like I said, playing for India is as good as playing the final everyday. We have enjoyed our journey and time for a final push now," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference on November 18.
Notably, India and Australia's rivalry go down a long way as Ricky Ponting's men defeated Sourav Ganguly's army in the 2003 ODI World Cup. On being asked whether there is any pressure on India from the past.
"Whenever we play such a tournament, the current form of players is more important than playing World Cup finals in the past. We have two players from 2011 as well who have been part of the World Cup final. We know how to handle pressure. We want to continue the way we have played so far," Rohit added.
The Indian skipper also stressed on the importance of keeping a balance in the team.
"I don't feel aura and I feel one has to come on that day and play good cricket. I don't believe what I did in last ten games. Ya, I will take confidence but it is important to keep a balance. Be in present," the 36-year-old said.
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