IND vs PAK: "If we only focus on personal goals"- Harbhajan Singh takes down Virat Kohli reminding Rohit Sharma of India First

As the Indian team aims to clinch their first ICC trophy since 2013, Harbhajan Singh has asked the Indian team and Rohit Sharma to stick together in the T20 WC.

The Men in Blue, who won their opening ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland on June 5, are all set for a blockbuster clash tonight. Rohit Sharma and Co. will face their most bitter rivals in their second Group A match for the first time in the USA. The slow and bowling-friendly surface at the Nassau County Stadium will play host to the fixture which promises to be a belter.

India's record against Pakistan at ICC T20 World Cups is just sensational. Out of their 7 meetings in the competition, the Green Army has been able to come out on top only once in the 2021 T20 WC in UAE. Babar Azam had led his side to a 10-wicket win but in the following edition in 2022, Rohit Sharma's men had clinched a breathtaking victory in the last ball.

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An inspirational knock from none other than Virat Kohli saved India from losing back-to-back ties against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.

Harbhajan Singh wants Rohit Sharma to keep the team together

While speaking in Star Sports' Press Room show, Harbhajan Singh conveyed the mantra that can help India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The legendary off-spinner, who was a part of the inaugural T20 WC winning team in 2007, has claimed that Rohit Sharma should develop a "WE" mindset within the team.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not the only ones on the team and to win the World Cup, India needs a collective effort from all its players. Harbhajan Singh believes that if players play for their milestones, then the task of ending India's trophy drought will become very difficult.

"Rohit is not alone; it's about 'we'. If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win. But if we only focus on personal goals, things become difficult. It's all about the 'we' mentality, and that's when things come to life." - Harbhajan Singh said via Star Sports.

Team India faced two major heartbreaks last year in the form of World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup final losses, both times to Australia. This month, every single Indian fan is hoping for a change in fate and has high hopes of lifting the World T20 title for the second time.

Harbhajan hails MS Dhoni for leading the team well in 2007

Harbhajan Singh concluded by reminding just how influential MS Dhoni's captaincy was for the Indian team. The former off-spinner claimed that Dhoni always focused on the collective efforts and always listened to what his teammates used to say. Perhaps that "We" mentality is why India had become the inaugural T20 World Champions.

"Back then, batters didn't score 25 runs in an over unlike today. The decision-making was always a team effort. When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'." - Harbhajan Singh concluded.