Rohit Sharma has revealed that Team India was under strict lockdown in their hotel in the days leading up to the high-stakes India-Pakistan match at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York due to a security threat.
“Before the India vs Pakistan match, we were told there was a threat — something was going on. So, two days before the game, we weren’t allowed to step out of the hotel. The atmosphere started building from there,” Rohit said during a conversation on JioHotstar.
The atmosphere in and around the team hotel was chaotic as Indian and Pakistani fans flocked to the premises, adding to the tension and anticipation of the marquee matchup.
“We were ordering food in, and the hotel was so packed you could barely walk. Fans, media — everyone was there. That’s when you realise this isn’t just another match — something special is about to happen. As soon as we got near the stadium, it already felt like a celebration — Indian fans, Pakistani fans, all dancing and enjoying themselves,” he added.
India’s gritty win in low-scoring thriller
India managed to defend a modest total of 119 runs at the Nassau County Stadium, pulling off a memorable six-run win. The dramatic turnaround was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, whose death-over brilliance kept Pakistan at bay.
Reflecting on his bowling duo, Rohit explained his strategy: “With Bumrah, you’ve got to be proactive in how you use him. He’s a wicket-taker, and at the same time, he’s not going to leak runs. So, how do you balance that, especially when the opposition is chasing at a run-a-ball?”
He was equally full of praise for Arshdeep Singh. “Arshdeep has been phenomenal too. Over the last two years, there’s a reason he’s become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is — he’s a really smart bowler. So, with both of them, my focus was on how to use their remaining overs strategically.”
Pant shines under pressure
In a game where batting proved difficult, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 42 off 31 balls stood out as a decisive contribution.
“We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh — do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely. And he did that perfectly. His innings was around 42, and on that pitch, that’s as good as scoring 70,” Rohit said.
The unmatched energy of an India-Pakistan clash
Even for someone like Rohit Sharma, who has played countless matches against Pakistan, the electrifying buzz around this particular encounter was unique.
“I’ve played so many India–Pakistan games now — I’ve lost count — but that pre-match energy, that feeling… It’s always something else. Nothing compares to it,” he remarked.
As the one-year anniversary of India’s famous T20 World Cup campaign approaches, this match against Pakistan remains one of the defining moments—not just for the result, but for the unseen drama and intensity that surrounded it.
