IPL is past,World Cup next challenge: Rohit

Two years back,Rohit Sharma went for the T20 World Cup as a rookie,but the lack of experience didnt stop the Mumbai batsman...

Two years back,Rohit Sharma went for the T20 World Cup as a rookie,but the lack of experience didnt stop the Mumbai batsman from making a significant contribution to Indias title triumph. Since then,a lot has changed,and Sharma has enjoyed several highs the latest being the IPL title with Deccan Chargers. On the eve of the teams departure for the second edition of the T20 World Cup in England,Sharma speaks about the challenges ahead. Excerpts:

Are you still thinking about the IPL high?

 The IPL is a thing of past,my next big challenge is the T20 World Cup.

How do you rate Indias chances at the World Cup?

 I dont want to talk about our chances. We will prepare ourselves in the same way we did last time. We dont want to be over-confident.

The last time you toured England,you were confined to the bench.

 I got an opportunity in the T20 World Cup that followed immediately after that tour. I have never played in England before but I think in T20,you dont need to be technically perfect; your shot selection has to be spot on. No doubt it will be a challenge with different conditions to tackle.

What were the reasons behind Deccan Chargerss turnaround this season?

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 Since the day we landed in South Africa till we had the trophy in our hands,we remained positive. People treated us as underdogs but we concentrated on our matches without thinking about other teams. The way Gilchrist handled the team was remarkable. We didnt think about the result. The coaching staff realised that some of the players needed to be worked on. They concentrated on the basics and worked hard with them.

How important has Darren Lehmanns role been in the success of the team?

 He is a good coach. Having played together,Gilly and Lehmann are on the same wave length they dont panic and they dont blame others for losses. They handle the team very well and give every player enough space to feel comfortable without being aloof.

Overall,from your perspective,how was the IPL experience?

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 For me,IPL 2 was really satisfying. I had a big role to play. As vice-captain,Gilly had given me the responsibility of handling all the Indian players. He wanted me to make them comfortable. We discussed every aspect,how my position will help to have a right balance. When Andrew Symonds was not there,they wanted me to bat higher up the order.

Your best moment of IPL 2?

 I will pick two the hat-trick against Mumbai Indians and the match-winning innings against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Eleven wickets in the IPL did it surprise you?

 My bowling will be a plus for the team. If given a chance,I will try to put up good show with the ball too.