Rohit Says India Calm And Composed Amid World Cup Final Hype

Captain Rohit Sharma on Saturday said his players understand the pressure of being Indian cricketers and remain "calm and composed" for the World Cup final against five-time champions Australia.

Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Google)

'Win it for Dravid'

Fellow cricket superpower Australia are into their eighth World Cup final.

They have won eight matches on the bounce after two opening losses, including a six-wicket defeat to India after they were bowled out for just 199.

"They've won eight out of eight and they played it really well. So, it's going to be a good contest," said Rohit.

"Both teams deserve to be at this stage playing the finals and we understand the importance of what Australia can do. They are a very complete side and for us again what is important is to focus on what we want to do as a team."

Rohit he wants to win the title for coach Rahul Dravid who was part of the India team which suffered a crushing 125-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the 2003 World Cup final in Johannesburg.

In 2007, India failed to qualify for the knockout stages when Dravid was captain.

"His role has been absolutely massive," said Rohit. "Clearly, looking at how Rahul himself has played his cricket and how I am playing these days, obviously it's quite contrasting.

"For him to agree and give me that freedom and liberty to go and play the way we want to play, that says a lot about him."

Rohit added: "Obviously, what he has done for Indian cricket is massive. And he also feels that he wants to be part of this big occasion. And it's for us to do it for him."