Rohit Sharma’s mantra for out-of-form players: Don’t let pressure creep in

The Indian cricket team will begin their Asia Cup 2022 campaign on August 28 when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the second match of the group stage. The match will certainly make headlines as it was Pakistan who had handed the Men in Blue a humiliation in the T20 World Cup last year as they registered a 10-wicket victory. The match will also be organised in Dubai International Stadium, where the two teams faced each other in the last match.

Ahead of the tournament, India captain Rohit Sharma has come out saying how he deals with players who are struggling under pressure.

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“For me as a captain, it is very important that we create an environment for the players where they don’t feel that it’s a very high-pressure environment,” Rohit said on Follow the Blues, a show on Star Sports.

He also added that the team tries to create an environment where underperforming players can have fun because it’s important not to let pressure affect the mindset.

“We try and create (an environment) for the guys to come out in this team and try have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Because I strongly feel that it’s important not to allow the pressure to creep in too much,” he added.

Former India captain Virat Kohli comes to mind when one speaks about underperforming Indian cricketers. Kohli is going through a rough patch and recently completed 1000 days without scoring an International century. However, Rohit Sharma has always been supportive of his former captain and even criticised Kohli’s doubters during India’s recent tour of England.

Rohit Sharma also spoke about helping his compatriots in the Indian team and the environment he wants to create in the dressing room.

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“When you know certain players are going through tough times, we try to give them a clear understanding of what’s happening. Making him understand what we expect from him, his role in this team, and all those kind of things,” he said.

According to the Indian captain, trying to help an underperforming player understand the expectations of him will help the cricketer turn the tables.

The Asia Cup will work as a preparatory tournament for the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where they will be facing other top teams like Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.