India vs New Zealand, World Cup 2023: 'Important to stay in the present', says Rohit Sharma after four-wicket win

India captain Rohit Sharma did not want to get too carried away with his team’s positive start to the 2023 ODI World Cup, saying that it was important to “stay balanced” and not get “too carried away”.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

Rohit was speaking at the presentation ceremony, following India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday.

While India ticked a few boxes yet again, with Mohammed Shami claiming a five-for, and Virat Kohli (95) narrowly missing out on a hundred, their fielding was not upto the point and Rohit sought improvements as far as fielding is concerned.

“Good start to the tournament. Job is half done. Important to stay balanced. Not to think too far ahead. Important to stay in the present. Shami took the opportunity with both hands. He has the experience in these conditions and is a class bowler,” Rohit said.

Rohit went onto credit Kohli, saying the latter “backed himself” to do the job. Kohli was dismissed for 95 in the 48^th over, with India needing just five runs to win.

“He (Kohli) has done this for us so many years. He backed himself to do the job. Kohli and Jadeja pulled us back when we lost a few wickets in the middle,” added Rohit.

The 36-year-old felt India’s fielding was not clinical. Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah dropped catches, all of which could have been defining moments.

“The fielding is something we pride ourselves on. Today the fielding wasn’t clinical. Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best fielders in the world. These things happen. We know that fielding is something that will decide a lot of things going forward,” added Rohit.

New Zealand were once looking at a total in excess of 300 runs, but lost as many as six wickets in the final 10 overs. Skipper Tom Latham admitted that the Kiwis failed to capitalise in the slog overs with the bat.

“We played reasonably well. We didn’t quite capitalize in the last 10. We left a little out there. But credit to India. We weren’t able to get the double breakthrough with the ball. Rachin and Mitchell had a fantastic partnership to set us up for the last 10,” Latham said.

Shami, who finished with figures of 5/54, said it was crucial for India to pick those late wickets that helped them see off New Zealand for 273.

“It was important to pick those late wickets, you always want your team to be the top side. Very happy that I got those wickets and India is on top of the table,” said Shami.