Rohit Sharma, our captain, leader, legend, has led the Indian cricket team into the 2023 World Cup final with excellence. It’s a historic moment as he has a billion hopes pinned on his shoulders to join the elite list of Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni. The Hitman spoke in front of the microphone for one last time, and we take you through it…..

On the importance of team selection and role clarity

Rohit Sharma: "We have prepared for this day ever since I became the captain. As per the formats, we had to identify players in the last two years. We had given role clarity and many discussions between the captain and coach. Role clarity is hugely important for us in reaching this platform. We have tried our best to keep the mindset and roles clear. So far, so good, hopefully tomorrow as well."

Facing Australia in the World Cup final

Rohit: "Australia have won 8 out of 8. They have played good cricket, and both teams deserve to be in the finals. We know what Australia can do. They are a very complete side. We want to focus on what we want to do. We don't want to worry about their form; rather, focus on our cricket and plans."

On the emotions inside the dressing room ahead of the CWC23 final

Rohit: "Leading up to every game, we have been calm and composed about what we want to do. We know what the outside environment is, the expectations and the pressure. Sticking to our game is important, and this has been happening for a long time. We have worked on maintaining the calmness in the dressing room. I don't know how they'll be feeling on the inside. But when in meetings and training, everyone is calm. Being an Indian cricketer, you have to deal with pressure."

On bowlers and their commitment with the ball

Rohit: "The bowlers have done a great job for us in this tournament. We were chasing in the first four or five games, and restricting them to below 300 takes work in India. Our pacers and spinners have been great. When we were defending as well, they were great. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj have been excellent. The same for the spinners as well when we wanted to take wickets in the middle overs."

How do the senior Indian cricket team players feel about being CWC23 finalists?

Rohit: "This is a huge occasion, without a doubt. Whatever we have dreamt so far is here. This is the most challenging aspect for professional sportspeople as to how to keep such challenges out of their minds and keep their focus. This is the biggest moment in our careers, and it is important to stay calm and composed because that is where you can execute your plans better. You don't get to play World Cup finals daily. I have grown up watching 50-over World Cups, so it'll be the biggest occasion."

A solid tribute to the Head Coach

Rohit: "Rahul Dravid's role has been massive, especially in giving role clarity to players. It's quite contrasting in how he played his cricket and how I play my cricket, and to agree on certain things, to give us that liberty, that says a lot about him. Also, he has stood by the players in difficult times, especially during and after the T20 World Cup. We had a good run until the semi-finals, then we lost. And how he reacted to certain situations and informed the players about how we want to play also says a lot about him. What he has done for Indian cricket is massive, and he also wants to be part of this occasion. Let's do it for him!"

On Mohammed Shami being a ‘team player’ despite sitting out initial games

Rohit: "It was tough for Shami not to play the initial part of the World Cup. But he was there for the team to help Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. That shows the quality of him being the team man he is. We had a chat with him about why he was missing out. But he kept working hard, which shows the mental space he was in before the tournament. It says a lot about him. Once the opportunity opened up for him, he was right there. We can see with his performances."

The 'advantage' factor of playing finals

Rohit: "Whenever we play such a tournament, the current form of players is more important than playing World Cup finals in the past. We have two players from 2011 who have been part of the World Cup final. We know how to handle pressure. We want to continue the way we have played so far."

Hitman’s batting role for India in this World Cup

Rohit: "Before the start of the World Cup, I had plans to play in a certain way. I didn't know it'd come off. As I start the innings, there's a bit of freedom to express myself. Against England, I had to change my game. That's what an experienced player does. I am prepared to do whatever is right for the team. I am clear in what I want to do as a batter. If the pitch is good, you can take on the bowlers. If it's nipping around, then it's important to take your time."

Having a composed and positive attitude for every CWC23 game

Rohit: "Keeping it nice and easy and calm is what I believe in. It'll be nice to win it because we have worked hard. A nice, balanced thinking will be good. There's a laugh in the changing room; there's a tense face; I will not hide it. But that's the beauty of sport. We have to put our game face on. As I said, playing for India is as good as playing the final daily. We have enjoyed our journey, and it's time for a final push now."

Coming full circle from 2011 World Cup absence to 2023 World Cup final

Rohit: “It was a very emotional and hard time in 2011, but I am pleased at this stage. I never thought I would lead the team in a final, but if you wish, that will happen - I just wanted to create good space in the team".

Team adapting to the blueprint set by the team management

Rohit: "Important to play a certain brand of cricket. If we have decided on something, then it's important to implement it. We have given roles to certain individuals as to how to play that brand of cricket. 99.9 percent of the time, we have played that brand of cricket. The boys responded to it well without worrying about anything. We have created a special environment and want to maintain it as long as possible."