‘Stay Focused and Don’t Assume Anything’: Rohit Sharma’s Warning Ahead of T20 World Cup Showdown

New Delhi: Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has given a clear warning to Team India before the biggest match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. India-Pakistan group match is coming. Rohit clearly said, "Don't take this India-Pakistan match lightly. Don't enter the field assuming victory is already decided." They are saying that the day you play well in cricket, you will win. Avoid overconfidence, because it is a pressure match, even a small mistake can prove costly. He is trying to keep the team grounded.

Why did Rohit reject the word 'favourite'?

Rohit said, "There is no such thing as 'favorite' in cricket. When the ball is bowled, forget the ranking and previous records. Any team can defeat anyone. " India are considered favorites on paper (7 wins out of 7 against Pakistan in T20 WC), but Rohit says everything is equal on the field. The match is decided on the same day, not earlier.

What has been the cricket history of India-Pakistan?

This is the world's highest-voltage rivalry. India's record in T20 World Cup is amazing – 7 wins in 8 matches so far against Pakistan. But Rohit is right, history only talks. Everything resets as soon as the match starts, performance speaks for itself. Every match is different, the excitement level is different.

When and where will this match take place?

This match will be played on 15 February 2026, in R. of Colombo at Premadasa Stadium at 7pm local time (around 6:30-7pm IST). It is a Group A match, very big to reach the Super 8. Both India and Pakistan are in the group—along with the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. (Pakistan had earlier talked about a boycott but will now play, confirmed.)

What is the challenge ahead for Team India?

India is the champion of 2024, now defending. But Rohit's focus is on mental strength – handling pressure, maintaining focus. The whole country watches the India-Pak match, there is a lot of pressure on the players. Rohit wants the team to just give its best, everything else on the field. Recently India beat Namibia by 93 runs, good form. Everything can happen in a match.