Hamstring Feels Fine for Now: Rohit Sharma Eases Fitness Concerns

India captain Rohit Sharma downplayed concerns about his fitness following an unscheduled break during his team’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in a crucial Group A clash of the Champions Trophy.

Rohit, who appeared to struggle while fielding and briefly left the field during Pakistan’s innings, was suspected to have suffered a hamstring strain. However, the 37-year-old reassured everyone about his condition at the post-match presentation.

"Hamstring's fine now," Rohit assured after India's comprehensive victory, which all but sealed their semifinal spot.

While the Indian bowlers laid the platform by keeping Pakistan to 241, the day belonged finally to Virat Kohli, who wrapped up the win in style with his 51st ODI hundred, driving the ball beautifully through the off-side.

Rohit Showers Praise on Kohli
Rohit was effusive in his admiration for Kohli’s performance, highlighting his dedication to the team.

“Virat loves representing the country, doing what he does best, which is exactly what he showed today. No one in the dressing room was surprised by his innings,” Rohit remarked.

When India was almost on the brink of winning, with Kohli being only a few runs shy of his century, Rohit could be noticed urging his batsman to reach the milestone in style with huge shots.

Team Effort Gives Victory
On the team's combined effort, Rohit accredited his bowlers and all-rounders for delivering their tasks exactly as required.

We began great with the ball. We were aware that the wicket might slow down but trusted our senior batters to chase 240. Kuldeep, Axar, and Jadeja, who have played a lot of cricket and know such conditions well, deserve credit.".

(Mohammad) Rizwan and Saud (Shakeel) formed a good combination, so it was crucial not to allow the game to slip. Not to mention how (Mohammed) Shami, Hardik (Pandya), and Harshit (Rana) bowled too. It was a fine team effort. The boys know their roles and perform them well.".

"It's difficult sometimes because not everyone will get an opportunity to bowl. I try to gauge who's giving the batters the most trouble and take my decisions accordingly," he said.

Pakistan Captain Rizwan: 'Poor Shot Selection Cost Us'
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan conceded that his side failed to make the most of winning the toss and attributed poor shot selection for their below-par total.

We batted first, but we didn't capitalise on it. Their bowlers bowled exceptionally well. Saud (Shakeel) and I attempted to take the innings deep, but our shot choice was terrible, and we kept losing wickets. That's why we were left with only 240," Rizwan admitted.

With Pakistan on the verge of elimination following their second defeat of the tournament, Rizwan identified weaknesses in their overall game.

"They put pressure on us. When you lose, it is because you did not play well in all departments. We wanted to strangle them, but we could not.".

"Kohli and Gill played outstandingly and took the game away from us. We also need to get our fielding right because we committed so many errors in this match," he conceded.

Abrar Ahmed: 'Only God Knows What's Next for Us'
Pakistan left-arm spinner Abrar Ahmed, who bowled the pick of the tournament to bowl out Shubman Gill for 46, explained his stern approach and never felt regret about his fiery exit to the Indian opener.

"It's not a problem. I celebrate in the same way even when I pick up wickets in Pakistan. It's part of the game," stated Abrar, who returned with sterling figures of 1/28 in 10 overs.

He further added that batting was made easier in the second innings.

"The pitch behaved differently later. The second innings were much more comfortable for batting, whereas there was some support available for the bowlers in the first innings."

When queried on Pakistan's consecutive losses to India and their chances of moving on being minimal, Abrar chose to look philosophical:

"Only Allah knows what is going to happen with us.