MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team captain, ended the 11-year ICC title drought by leading the team to be T20 World champions in 2024. In an interview with JioHotstar, the star spoke about the strict restrictions India faced before the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup match against Pakistan.

ROHIT SHARMA:

"We were not allowed to leave the hotel two days before the match; restrictions were imposed due to various security threats. That's how serious the match was. Often, Indian captains describe the Indo-Pak cricket matches as nothing but a game, which in reality, is not factual.

We had to order food from outside as it was impossible to walk to the restaurant due to the crowd in the hotel. Fans and media were there. That's when you feel like it is more than just a match. You have a feeling that something is going to happen. As soon as you reach the stadium, you are welcomed by raucous thundering from crowds. There is dance and excitement all around, which is seldom seen in any other cricket matches. I have played many India-Pak matches, and the excitement before each game is different. You can't even compare it”