Rohit Sharma says the Indian team is not reading too much into South Africa’s surprise loss in the warm-up game to India A. The batsman added that it will be a big challenge to beat “one of the most consistent sides across formats” when the series begins with the T2O International on Friday.
“These are practice games. The teams field their best combination and try out reserves as well. I don’t want to read too much into Tuesday’s result. Because every team is trying something or the other (in the warm-up games). It is better that we don’t look much into it. They are one of the strongest sides, in all formats and not in just T20,” said Rohit during a media interaction at the scenic HPCA stadium.
India A had humbled South Africans in a practice game in Delhi on Tuesday.
When asked about India not playing enough T2OIs, Rohit said: “I agree that we have not played many T20Is as a team but considering the fact that lot of guys have been playing in IPL, they are ready. We use that experience (of playing in IPL). Having said that, it will be a challenge for us to regroup in the format.”
Rohit said that the focus will be on the ICC World T20 which will be held in five month’s time.
“The World Cup is round the corner so we have to make the most out of T20 games we play from now on. It will be a challenge for them (South Africa) as well, considering they have also not played a lot of T20 Internationals,” said the stylish right-hander.
South Africa T20I captain Faf du Plessis was pleasantly surprised that the tour opener will played on a fast and bouncy pitch here. When asked how India are preparing to face the visitors’ pace attack, Rohit said the unit is focussing both on spin and pace.
“It is not only pace. They have got quality spinners too. They will be effective here. It is better to focus on all aspects,” he said referring to the Imran Tahir-led spin attack.
