“I already know who I’ll start against Pakistan.” Rohit Sharma says, “Those guys are,” before a crucial T20 World Cup encounter.

The 2022 T20 World Cup gets off in Australia on Sunday with matches between Sri Lanka and Namibia. On October 22, the competition moves to the Super 12 stage, when the reigning champions Australia will face the winner of 2021 final, New Zealand. But the focus will be on India’s first World Cup encounter against Pakistan on October 23 at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground. And Rohit issued a remark on India’s starting XI for the match against Pakistan before the highly anticipated encounter.

Earlier this month, India arrived in Australia to start getting ready for the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue have already played two exhibition games against Western Australia and will play Australia and New Zealand later on, giving them additional practice and time to decide on their World Cup lineup.

Rohit, though, is prepared for the Pakistan game. Speaking to the media at the massive press conference on Friday, Rohit said that he has already briefed the players on his starting lineup for the much-anticipated match at the MCG.

“I don’t think in hurried choices. For our guys to be ready early, we want to keep them informed about team selection. I already know who will start against Pakistan. These players are already aware. I don’t believe in hurried decisions. I want them to be well-prepared,” he said.

Mohammed Shami, who just arrived in Australia to fill in for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, has still to be determined whether or not he will make the starting lineup. Considering that Shami hasn’t been a member of India’s T20I team since the previous World Cup, the nation may decide to use the fast bowler in the two remaining exhibition games.

“Shami has not yet been seen by me. Nevertheless, I’ve heard wonderful things about him. Tomorrow (Sunday) during practice in Brisbane, I’ll evaluate him “Added he.