The T20Is that teams play in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup later this year will be considered as preparatory matches ahead of the showpiece event.

For India though, the World Cup is still far away and all they are concerned about is winning the upcoming T20I series versus England in Ahmedabad, which begins on Friday.

“You’re playing for India, for the country, so no dress rehearsals here,” senior pro Rohit Sharma said during Wednesday’s virtual media interaction. “For us, it’s important to win the series and not think too far ahead. If you focus on the present and get those little things right in this five-match series, the future will take care of itself.

“We also need to see where we stand as a team and as individuals. We need to have that mindset of winning each and every game we play.”

The series provides India with the opportunity to work on different combinations and also test newcomers like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Besides, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri have the scope of bringing Rishabh Pant, who has been in scintillating form lately, back in the XI.

Speaking of Pant, Rohit emphasised, it needs to be ensured that the expectations on the wicketkeeper-batsman don’t go on to put unnecessary pressure on him. “If you let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant, he’ll come out and give you those performances.

“I’ve said many a times in the past to leave Rishabh alone as he can then give you those performances. So far he has done exceptionally well in the last few months, from Australia till the home Tests versus England.

“He has performed really well, and I don’t see anything stopping him unless one puts pressure on him. He likes to enjoy his game and that is what we expect from him. He’s starting to understand the game situation and play according to that, and it’s something he can tick off from his personal box,” Rohit said.

The team management will continue to give Rishabh the freedom he needs, Rohit added.

“He has done well in terms of wicketkeeping, batting and his approach. It’s another series that will take his confidence a notch higher if he keeps performing.

“He needs that freedom and as part of the team management, we are prepared to let him play with that freedom.”

Rohit also had his share of advice for his Mumbai Indians teammates Suryakumar and Kishan. “Watching them closely for so many years now, I’ve realised that it’s important for them to be a part of this wonderful team and the great set-up the team has.

“I just want them to have fun and understand what this team is about. They could be nervous since it’s their first time, but it’s important for people like me and other senior members and the coaching staff to tell them that this is just another team that they are a part of and so they just have to enjoy that moment,” he said.

Neutral umpires

Rohit too believes neutral umpires could be back in international matches regardless of the pandemic.

“Yes, that can be an option. If players can travel, umpires too can... Don’t see any reason why they can’t. Make them quarantine and make their life difficult as well,” he quipped.