Set to play in only his second pink ball Test, India opener Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he will be “extra cautious and focussed” while batting during the twilight phase of the upcoming day-night match against England here.
Rohit, who scored a dazzling 161 in the second Test in Chennai, had featured in the first day-night Test held in India against Bangladesh in November 2019 but did not bat during the twilight phase.
“So far I have only heard that it kind of plays on a batsman’s mind . I played just one pink ball Test against Bangladesh but didn’t get to bat at that (twilight) time when sun was about to set but I have to try and understand what exactly happens during that time,” he said during a virtual press conference ahead of the third Test against England, starting here on Wednesday.
“It’s obviously a little challenging, the weather and light suddenly change. You have to be extra cautious and focussed, you need to talk to yourself. All batters are aware of these challenges. We just need to be mindful of the situation and play accordingly.”
Apart from this, Rohit is also concerned about adjusting to the lights and surroundings whilefielding in the newly-built Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Motera.
“Whenever you play in a new stadium, there’s always a challenge to get used to the lights. Tomorrow we will be practising under the lights so the focus will be on getting used to those lights and seats because the seats are new and they will be shiny,” he said.
With a World Test Championship final spot at stake, the ongoing series holds great significance for both India and England.
