Suryakumar Yadav was an elated captain after India hammered England by 150 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Wankhede Stadium to clinch the series 4-1.
Riding on Abhishek Sharma’s brutal century (135 off 54 balls), the Men in Blue racked up a gigantic 247/9 on the board. Shivam Dube (30 off 13 balls) also chipped in with a handy contribution.
In reply, England’s innings folded for a paltry 97 in 10.3 overs. Mohammad Shami (3-25 in 2.3 overs), Varun Chakravarthy (2-25 in 2 overs), Shivam Dube (2-11 in 2 overs) and Abhishek (2-3 in 1 over) ran through the visiting line-up as only Philip Salt (55) and Jacob Bethell (10) managed to reach double figures.
“It's always about being a little instinctive on the ground. Whoever you feel can make a difference, just throw the ball to them. These guys work really hard in the nets - keep practicing what they want to deliver in the game. And whenever I need them, they're always there on the ground,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
“This is what we sat down and spoke about - what brand of cricket we want to play, and we're sticking to it. It's a high risk, high reward game, but at the end of the day what's working for us, we're doing that,” he added.
Suryakumar was effusive in praise of Abhishek Sharma’s whirlwind batting display in the series finale.
“It's good to see someone at the top batting like that. I'm very happy for his family as well. Must've enjoyed his innings. It was great.”
India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy troubled the English batters right through the T20I series. With a staggering 14 wickets at an average of 9.85 and an economy rate of 7.66, he finished the series as the leading wicket-taker.
Lauding Varun, Surya said: “He's one guy who's been relentlessly working hard with our fielding coach. Anywhere he gets an opportunity, he uses that time on the field during practice sessions. It was good to see him putting his hand up and telling that I want to field in the outfield today. And you saw the results.”
“His bowling - I've always said that he's a process-oriented man. Works really hard in the nets. Always up for learning something new, and you can see the results. That's one thing you do together on the field. You can create the extra energy. Irrespective of what you've done in your batting or bowling, that's one thing I demand. And they never disappoint,” he concluded.
On the other hand, England skipper Jos Buttler said his team will improve after playing this tough series against India away from home.
“We're disappointed to lose the series. We've done some things well, and some things to improve on. India are a fantastic side, especially at home. Our guys will be better for the experience,” Buttler stated.
“Some of the bowling performances - even today, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood were outstanding. Abhishek Sharma - I've seen a lot of cricket and that was as good a batting I've seen in T20 today,” he remarked.
The focus will now shift to the ODIs as India will play three matches against England, leading up to the Champions Trophy. The 50-over series will get underway on February 6 in Nagpur.
“Obviously a great guy to welcome back into the squad (Root). One of the best players in the world. Look forward to the ODIs. It's getting closer and closer to T20s, isn't it? Going to be a great series against a top side,” Buttler concluded.