Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Sunday (17th July) heaped rich praise on Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant for their match-winning efforts in the series decider against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.
India thumped England by 5 wickets in the third ODI to complete a 2-1 series win. It was a collective effort from the visitors as they held their nerves better in the crucial stages and completed a fantastic win.
Bowling first, after winning the toss, India had a sensational start as Mohammed Siraj removed Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root in the second over of the game to jolt the opposition.
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Pandya then chipped in with the ball and registered his best bowling figures in ODIs (4/24). He was well complemented well by Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 3 wickets as India bundled out England for 259 runs in the 46th over.
India didn’t start the chase well as they were reduced to 72/4 with the top 4 back in the hut for low scores. Just when it seemed that the visitors would fall short, Pant and Pandya came to the rescue and stitched one of the finest partnerships in ODIs to see their team home.
The duo together added 133 runs for the fifth wicket and made sure that India end the tour on a high. While Pandya scored 71 runs, Pant played his best knock in ODIs and smashed unbeaten 125 runs to guide his side home and win the series.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma said that he was pleased with his team’s performance as they wanted to achieve something as a group. He admitted that they knew it wasn’t going to be easy after they lost early wickets.
“Very pleased. Came here, wanted to achieve something as a group in white ball. We were here last time and were beaten, I remember that. Not an easy place to come and win games. It was a good pitch, but we do understand it's not going to be easy if we lose wickets upfront,” Sharma said.
Rohit lauded Hardik and Rishabh for their partnership in the middle. He also praised Chahal and called him a ‘critical member’ of the team, before applauding the all-rounder for his bowling as well.
“Positive side of it, these guys haven't batted much in the middle overs. Today we got to see that with Hardik and Rishabh. At no point we felt they were panicking. They backed themselves and played cricketing shots. He's a critical member for us (Chahal).
“Has got so much experience bowling in all formats. Pretty pleased with how he's come back after the WC. Hardik as well. One side boundary was long, he kept bowling the bouncers and got rewards for it. Not really (Worried about top-order?),” he said.
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Rohit talked about India’s top-order woes and admitted that they played bad shots. He added that they want to create a solid bench strength and they will give opportunities to youngsters in West Indies.
“To be honest, the wicket didn't have much. We played some not so good shots. Still back those guys to come out good. One of those series where top order hasn't come to the party. Have got nothing more to say because I know the quality they bring to the team.
“We've got some solid guys sitting on the bench who've been waiting to get a game. Want to create that bench strength. Injuries are bound to happen, have to manage workload, so need to build bench strength. Have got some solid guys who will get their opportunity in West Indies,” he said.
India will now tour West Indies for a three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series. The 50-over games will be played from 22nd July to 27th July whereas the 20-over matches will kick start on 29th July and will culminate on 9th August.
(Sky Sports inputs)
