Rohit Sharma accuses ICC of locking up team India inside the team Hotel during..

Team India ODI captain Rohit Sharma has revealed that the team faced a security threat ahead of the high-octane clash against Pakistan during the T20 World Cup 2024. The right-handed batter also said that players were restricted to their hotel rooms two days before the match due to safety concerns.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured a thrilling six-run win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue posted a total of 119 after being asked to bat first at Nassau County, New York. Rohit had a poor outing with the bat, scoring just 13 off 12 balls, as India were bowled out in 19 overs.

However, Jasprit Bumrah turned the match around with a sensational spell, taking 3 for 14 in four overs. He won the Player of the Match award, helping India successfully defend their total.

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We Were Told There Was a Threat - Rohit Sharma

Speaking on JioHotstar, Rohit Sharma said that the hotel was packed with fans and media. The Indian skipper recalled that supporters of both India and Pakistan were celebrating near the stadium, adding that the game was more than just a regular match.

“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. The atmosphere started building from there," Rohit said on JioHotstar.

“We were ordering food in, and the hotel was so packed you could barely walk. Fans, media — everyone was there. That’s when you realise this isn’t just another match — something special is about to happen. As soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration — Indian fans, Pakistani fans, all dancing and enjoying themselves,” he added.

It’s Always Something Else - Rohit Sharma on India–Pakistan Rivalry

Rohit described the atmosphere during the India-Pakistan clash in New York as unlike anything he had experienced before. He felt the energy and excitement ahead of this game were unmatched, despite having played in numerous matches against Pakistan.

“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,” said Rohit Sharma.

We Just Wanted Rishabh to Play His Natural Game - Rohit Sharma

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, promoted to No. 3 in the batting order, was India’s top scorer with 42 off 31 balls. Rohit said that Pant stuck to his natural game, adding that the left-hander put pressure on the bowlers.

“We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh — do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely. And he did that perfectly. His innings was around 42, and on that pitch, that’s as good as scoring 70.”

India defeated South Africa by seven runs to clinch the 2024 T20 World Cup title. The Men in Blue ended a 17-year wait for the trophy. This victory was India’s long-awaited second title in the ICC T20 World Cup, having last won the tournament in its inaugural edition in 2007.

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