India vs Windies | It was an exceptional performance from our bowlers, says Rohit Sharma

After India utterly dominated their opponents in the Test series and ODI series earlier this month, the home team were expected to do the same in the T20I series as well despite the absence of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni from the squad. That’s exactly what happened when India took on the Windies in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday night.

Despite struggling with the bat in the second innings, India raced away to a five-wicket win with two overs to spare courtesy of a Dinesh Karthik-inspired innings in the latter stages of the game. However, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma credited the bowlers for their brilliant display which restricted the Caribbean outfit to a paltry sum of 109/8 after 20 overs, while he admitted that his batsmen need to learn from their mistakes.

“ knew the chase wasn’t going to be easy. Hopefully, we can learn from these mistakes. [It was an] exceptional performance with the ball. There was a lot on offer for the seamers. Even with spinners, it wasn’t easy. Overall there was a little bit for every department. To start with, we bowled well –good areas. used the conditions perfectly,” Sharma said in a post-match interview.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/13) was the pick of the bowlers’ last night and proved Sharma’s decision to bowl first right. Sharma also lavished praise on debutants - Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed with the latter showing his all-round prowess.

“Very exciting talents again – Krunal and Khaleel. Krunal – I’ve seen him closely in last two-three years for MI (Mumbai Indians). When he came into bowl, Pollard was batting. He was the one who wanted to bowl against him.

“These guys are ready to take those challenges. Exciting for the captain when you see that. If they continue to work on their skills, India’s going to benefit for sure,” Sharma added.

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