Need to be extra cautious and focussed while batting during twilight phase: Rohit on pink ball Test

Set to play in only his second pink ball Test, India opener Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he will be "extra cautious and focussed" while batting during twilight phase of upcoming day-night match against England here.

Rohit, who scored a dazzling 161 in second Test in Chennai, had featured in first day-night Test held in India against Bangladesh in vember 2019 but did t bat during twilight phase.

"So far I have only heard that it kind of plays on a batsman's mind . I played just one pink ball Test against Bangladesh but didn't get to bat at that (twilight) time when sun was about to set but I have to try and understand what exactly happens during that time," he said during a virtual press conference ahead of third Test against England, starting here on Wednesday.

"It's obviously a little challenging, wear and light suddenly change. You have to be extra cautious and focussed, you need to talk to yourself. All batters are aware of se challenges. We just need to be mindful of situation and play accordingly." four-Test series between India and England is currently tied at 1-1.

Apart from this, Rohit is also concerned about adjusting to lights and surroundings whilefielding in newly-built Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Motera.

"Whenever you play in a new stadium, re's always a challenge to get used to lights. Tomorrow we will be practising under lights so focus will be on getting used to those lights and seats because seats are new and y will be shiny," he said. With a World Test Championship final spot at stake, ongoing series holds great significance for both India and England.

While India need to win at least one more match and draw or if y are to progress to final, England must win both remaining games.

"Yes, of course we want to qualify, we want to be re in (WTC) final but we still need to do a lot of things right to get re. When we are playing, focus is only on what we need to do to win game," Rohit said.

"re are little steps which we need to take before we reach final. It's too far ahead still. It's very important to stay in moment. It is important to stay in present and focus on job at hand." India's limited overs vice-captain stressed on importance of communication, which according to him is essential for side's success.

"I often stand in slips so I read game from behind and it is important for me to pass on information as to what batter is trying to do. We try and keep sharing information with each or so that team gets what it wants on field," he said.

"Whatever helps team to get over line we are ready to do that. On many occasions you have seen that team has come from a difficult situation and made a comeback and that's only because of communication." Rohit also touched upon his injury rehabilitation phase before Australia Test series after he sustained a hamstring strain during last IPL in UAE.

He thanked BCCI and Cricket Australia for ir support during his 14-day quarantine period Down Under before Test series. 

(Im Credit: PTI)