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Indian captain Rohit Sharma was retired hurt after being on his arm in the T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland. At the new Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the Men in Blue elected to bowl first after winning the toss and demolished the Irish thanks to a brilliant bowling performance from the Indian pacers.
The fast bowling attack comprising Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya combined to pick up eight wickets as Ireland were bundled out for 96 runs. Then with the bat, the Men in Blue suffered an early blow as Virat Kohli got out cheaply.
Rohit Sharma retires hurt after getting hit on arm vs Ireland
But Rohit Sharma with Rishabh Pant steadied the ship as India cruised towards the finish line. But in the ninth over, Sharma attempted a pick-up shot against Joshua Little which went on to hit him on his arm. The Hitman was batting at 30 in 27 balls when he got hit and then continued bat for 10 more balls, scoring more 27 runs, before walked out retired hurt. This didn't hinder the Indian chase as Pant clinched the game with an incredible six to seal an eight-wicket win in the 13rd over.
I wouldn't complain when there's help for bowlers: Bumrah
After the game, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of Match for his 2-6 in four overs. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bumrah said, "Coming from India, with the ball seaming around, I wouldn't complain when there's help for bowlers. In this format you have to adapt to the conditions, you have to be proactive.
"Trying to stick to the plans and trying to go back to what has worked for me. You always want to cover all the bases in these conditions. You got to be prepared, very happy with the outing today," he continued.
