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Published 12:52 IST, September 5th 2023

'The fielding was...': Rohit Sharma rates Team India's below-par performance in Asia Cup 2023

India's first match against rivals Pakistan was rained out, and they secured a 10-wicket victory against Nepal on Monday, securing their place in the Super 4. The match against Nepal was disrupted by rain and concluded with the Duckworth/Lewis method.

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Rohit Sharma rates Team India's below-par performance in Asia Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma during India vs Nepal match (Image: AP) | Image: self
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India captain Rohit Sharma admitted on Monday that the team hasn't been at its peak in the ongoing Asia Cup, acknowledging a need for improvement as they advance to the Super 4 stage of the tournament.

India's first match against rivals Pakistan was rained out, and they secured a 10-wicket victory against Nepal on Monday, securing their place in the Super 4. The match against Nepal was disrupted by rain and concluded with the Duckworth/Lewis method.

READ: 'They are superstars': Nepal skipper showers massive praise on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli

"We haven't been at our best, but a few guys are coming out after months out of the game. Once we move ahead in the Super Fours, there's no room for complacency," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

"First game, under pressure, Hardik and Ishan got us into a good position. Today our bowling was okay, but the fielding was below par."

Rohit and Shubman Gill remained not out on 74 and 67 respectively while chasing a revised target of 145 in 23 overs.

"To start with, there were some nerves, but once I got my eye in, I wanted to cash in and get my team home."

On the flick-sweep shot which got him a six, he said, "I just wanted to chip it over short fine leg, there was no intention to clear deep backward square leg, but bats these days are so good." Asked about the India World Cup team to be picked here on Tuesday, Rohit said, "When we came here, in the back of our mind we knew what our (World Cup) 15 would look like, except maybe one or two spots.

READ: IND vs NEP: Rohit Sharma sets fielding as Virat Kohli dances to Nepali song - WATCH

"We can't really look too much into these two games, one was washed out, but luckily we got to bat in the first game and bowl in this one.'' Gill said he and Rohit complemented each other during their unbroken 147-run stand for the opening wicket.

"Quite disappointed with the way I got out day before yesterday. Important that I finished it off tonight with Rohit bhai, and we did it," he said.

"He (Rohit) likes to take the bowlers on aerial, and I like to hit more boundaries than sixes, so we complement each other." On Nepal's bowling, he said, "They bowled very well with the new ball, they challenged us. We knew once the ball gets wet, it'll get easier for the batsmen. That's what the talk was in the dressing room."

07:37 IST, September 5th 2023