I Have Played Those Guys And Know About Their Strengths And Weaknesses - Rohit Sharma Talks Preparation For WTC Final vs New Zealand

Ahead of the historic ICC World Test Championship Final, India opener Rohit Sharma says that having played with and against the New Zealand players, in international cricket and during the IPL, he understands their “strengths and weaknesses”.

The first day’s play at The Ageas Bowl was washed out due to persistent rain; with the weather forecast slightly better on Day 2, Saturday, the game could begin on time. Rohit Sharma, who has been a successful opener in Test cricket averaging 64.38 in 17 innings, will open for the first time in the longest format in England.

He says that it is imperative for him and the rest of the side to “keep things simple, and realistic” when they play against a high-quality team such as the Kiwis; at the same time, he asserts the importance of the conditions which will be on offer and the situation of the game.

“I have played those guys and know about their strengths and weaknesses. It will all boil down to what the conditions are, what sort of situation the team is in, whether we are batting first or second,” Rohit Sharma told broadcasters ‘Star Sports’.

“All that will count and it’s important not to overthink. Against a quality side, it is also very important to keep things simple, and realistic,” he added.

You are challenged for five days, a longer game that needs patience: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has been a legend in white-ball cricket as an opener; now he has taken a liking to Test cricket as well and has plundered 4 hundreds batting at the top. He speaks about the challenges in the 5-day format, and the skills, the mental ones, in particular, required in the longest form of the game.

“You are challenged for five days and which I think doesn’t happen anywhere. Everyday brings a different challenge, a longer game that needs patience, you play in different conditions and it’s not the easiest.

“You have to be mentally fresh for five days to make good decisions on the field. Physically you need to be fit to accept and overcome those challenges,” the 34-year-old opener stated.

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