'We have not really nailed down what batting unit will look like': Rohit Sharma 3 days before T20 WC

In a warm-up match for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, India posted a commanding total of 182/5 in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Rishabh Pant (53 off 32 balls) and Hardik Pandya (40* off 23 balls). In response, Bangladesh struggled to keep up, managing only 122/9 in their 20 overs, resulting in a comfortable 60-run victory for India. Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube stood out for India with 2 wickets each, while Mahmudullah top-scored for Bangladesh with 40 runs. The match, which took place at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

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Rohit Sharma believes that the best of Team India is yet to be showcased in the T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma stated that the Indian team is still fine-tuning its batting line-up for the T20 World Cup and the decision to send Rishabh Pant at number three in the warm-up match against Bangladesh should not be overanalyzed. India secured a 60-run victory at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, limiting Bangladesh to 122 for nine after setting a target of 182 for five in 20 overs on Saturday. Rohit commented on Pant's batting position, stating,

"Just to give him an opportunity. We have not really nailed down what the batting unit will look like. Even the bowlers did pretty well. All in all happy with how things went." 

Pant struck a fluent 53 off 32 balls, while Hardik Pandya smashed 40 in 23 deliveries after Suryakumar Yadav helped himself to an 18-ball 31.

"Quite happy with how things went. Pretty much got what we wanted from the game. Like I said at the toss, it was important to get used to the conditions.

"New venue, new ground, drop-in pitch - important to get used to it and we managed pretty well," Rohit said after the match.

Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh shone with the ball, picking 2/12 in three overs while all-rounder Shivam Dube grabbed 2/13 in three overs. Asked about Arshdeep, Rohit said,

 "He has shown us, in whatever games he has played, he has the skills up-front. He has got a very good skill-set (at the death too).

“We saw it today. He bowled pretty well, swung the ball up front, and then bowled one at the backend. We have got 15 good players here. We have to see what the conditions are and then see what combination is best for us.” 

Head coach Rahul Dravid said the pitch was a bit soft and spongy, while lauding the performance of his players.

"It's great to get a good hit-out. Obviously, it looks like a good facility in terms of as quickly as they have put up. The ground is a bit soft and the guys could feel that on the hamstring and the calves.

"So, that's the area we need to ensure that we are working around and ensuring that the guys are looking after does feel a little bit heavy underneath," Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI.

India ticked multiple boxes during their comfortable win over Bangladesh in the warm-up match, but none bolder than the fifty by Pant which has all but sealed his place as the first-choice wicketkeeper batter in the ICC showpiece. Dravid added,

 "A little bit spongy (pitch) at times but I thought we coped really well. The batters had put an above-par score on that wicket and the bowlers came out and bowled really well.

Team India will now start their official campaign for the T20 World Cup against Ireland on June 5, 2024. After that, they will knock horns against their arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9, 2024. 

(With PTI inputs)