“I know it’s very exciting to create so many leaders around the team because it’s always a good sign,” Rohit told Star Sports’ Follow the Blues show. “And you want the guys to handle the pressure, who understand the game and know each other really well. And when they are leading the team, all these things can happen.
“I think it’s very important to have that leadership, but obviously, we play the IPL, and it’s a ten-team tournament. So, there will be ten captains who at some stage will be a part of the Indian team as well. I think it’s fantastic because honestly, my job is much lesser as these guys understand everything pretty well. So, it’s just about if someone’s having a thought, how am I going to back that up. For me as captain that is my role and that is what I’m trying to do.”
“I think [it’s] the kind of talent that all the players have and the kind of freedom we’re getting now. This is the new India with the way they’re playing. I can see a lot of people playing with freedom, I can see a lot of people expressing themselves and not worrying about the result, which makes us more dangerous as a group. When you don’t have anything to lose, you kind of go out there and do something special.
“The credit goes to the management and the guys and the whole group to kind of make sure we create the environment where the players go and kind of enjoy and make sure they’re just giving their best – without being worried about whether they’re going to get picked or dropped. That adds more value and makes us more dangerous.”
“Preparation-wise or the environment-wise, we are 100% ready, but in this sport, I feel you don’t stop learning”
Hardik on how India are shaping up for the T20 World Cup
“I wanted to make sure I gave Axar the new ball, and I wanted him to kind of get the confidence back and bowl some tight overs,” Hardik said. “At the same point in time, I know the kind of bowler he is. When he bowls a couple of tight overs, he creates chances, and the wristspinners have some weapons where the batters kind of find them difficult to pick. So, it was not pre-planned, but obviously, the wicket and the batters showed us that spin is going to be a big factor. They kept taking wickets, I didn’t have to do much; I just had to hand over the ball and let them enjoy.”
“It’s just about how we can keep getting better,” Hardik said. “I think preparation-wise or the environment-wise, we are 100% ready, but in this sport, I feel you don’t stop learning. So for us, yes, we are ready, but at the same time if we make sure we keep learning and make sure whenever the opportunity comes, we rise to the occasion and enjoy as many games we can win for the country.”