Why Rohit Sharma retire against Ireland? India captain explains his decision before Pakistan match

Giving an update on the injury scare he suffered against Ireland on Wednesday, India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that there was nothing much to worry about and that he only sustained a “little sore” arm after he retired hurt during the Men in Blue’s 2024 T20 World Cup opener in New York. Facing Joshua Little in the ninth over, Rohit was hit on the upper arm but he continued batting.

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Rohit later hit Little for consecutive sixes and reached his fifty in 36 deliveries. However, while taking a double in the 10th over after reaching his half-century, Rohit looked in discomfort and left the field with the physio.

“Yeah, just a little sore arm,” the right-handed batter said after the match.

Ireland were all out for 96 at the Nassau County International Stadium, just a couple of days after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 77 at the same venue. In reply, Rohit and Rishabh Pant forged a half-century stand for the second wicket before the skipper retired hurt following his fifty. That stand set the platform for India’s eight-wicket win, chasing the target in 12.2 overs .

Rohit, though, remained unsure of what to make of the pitch.

Drop-in pitches that have been transported from Adelaide in Australia and made in Florida are being used for the showpiece tournament in New York.

“Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that’s five months old. I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers. That’s pretty much what you gotta do. Try to hit those lengths consistently. All these guys have played a lot of Test cricket. Arshdeep is the only guy who hasn’t. His two wickets upfront set the tone for us,” added the India captain.

The veteran admitted that it would be impossible to play four spinners in New York on a pitch that assists the seamers more.

“Don’t think we can play four spinners here. If the conditions are there for the seamers, we wanted them in the squad. The spinners will play their part later in the tournament. We are open to making changes to the team’s needs,” said the Nagpur-born cricketer.

The Mumbai player stressed the fact that each of his players will have to step up as India gear up to face rivals Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday.

“I don’t know what to expect from the pitch but we will prepare as if conditions are going to be like that. That will be a game where all XI of us need to come together and contribute. It was scratchy but good to spend time in the middle, hopefully we can do the same,” commented Rohit.