There are no favourites, no underdogs - Rohit Sharma on India vs Pakistan blockbuster clash

It's been 15 years since India last won the T20 World Cup and Rohit Sharma's men are once again gearing up to become the World champions of the shortest format of the game once again.

A day before their opener against Pakistan in the Super 12, Rohit Sharma, the India skipper expressed his disappointment for not winning big games in ICC tournaments for 9 years. Rohit said that he sees it as a challenge and the 2022 edition of T20 World Cup a chance to change it.

Asked if India vs Pakistan match puts more pressure on him, the Hitman replied, "I don't want to use the word pressure, I take it as a challenge, Pakistan has always been a good team. If on that particular day, you perform well, Then you will always win."

He further said, "Opportunities keep changing. I played the World Cup final against Pakistan in 2007. I think whenever I play for India, it is a big moment for me. Be it 2007 or 2022, it's important. I know what that means. I know it's a great honor."

On the ongoing controversy around the Asia Cup 2023, the captain said that he is not thinking about it yet and wants to focus on the T20 World Cup.

Team India had reached Australia much earlier than the rest of the nations. Explaining the reason for this, 35-year-old Rohit said, "When you are on big tours, you need to prepare well, many people are not used to playing in foreign conditions. It is thinking of the BCCI and team management. The decision taken was understood that we wanted to be ready with our best preparation so we decided to go to Australia early."

The captain gave his opinion even when Mohammed Shami was selected as a replacement. He said, "Shami has been playing for India for a long time and he has also played the World Cup for India. He has a lot of experience. After Bumrah's exit, we needed an experienced player and Shami was fit in it. The warm-up match against Australia was always part of our plan. We wanted to see what the new ball specialists could do in the death overs. I think Shami is ready for this campaign."