We got what we wanted, says Rohit Sharma

Ahmedabad: India captain Rohit Sharma on Friday said that his side got what it wanted out of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. India beat West Indies by 96 runs in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. It was Rohit’s first series as ODI captain. “We have ticked a lot of boxes this series. Whatever we wanted to get out of the series, we got what we wanted, Rohit said at the post match presentation ceremony. He was asked about the dressing room atmosphere after Indian cricket recently witnessed some turbulent times following the end of Virat Kohli’s leadership tenure.
The noise will be around as long as we are playing. We know we are playing a high-profile sport in India and people look up to us and watch us. As players and individuals, we know what we need to focus on, said the opener.
It was good to see our fast bowlers, I was was impressed even with Siraj the way he bowled. And Shardul, Deepak got the opportunity at different times.” On wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who made a successful comeback after being in the sidelines for a while, Rohit said, ‘Both Kuldeep and Chahal are crucial players for us. They have done well together as a group, especially Kuldeep.’
Pooran, WI captain, said, ‘ Must say congratulations to India. Way we bowled in the series was wonderful. Have a lot of work to day in 50 overs. Way the guys bowled in the last two games was fantastic. Have a lot of work to put in in the longer formats.’
Life was tough for me in the last couple of months. Had Covid. Was tough. I’m flexible to bat at any number. But given current situation, four is a good number. Pressure situation like today, I thrive on it. Today’s situation – I had to play off the new ball. You need to have really good skill. There’s a rhythm you have to set to your innings. It’s not easy, said Shreyas Iyer, Man of the Match.
Prasidh Krishna, who won player of the series award, said, ‘Life was tough for me in the last couple of months. Had Covid. Was tough. I’m flexible to bat at any number. But given current situation, four is a good number. Pressure situation like today, I thrive on it. Today’s situation – I had to play off the new ball. You need to have really good skill. There’s a rhythm you have to set to your innings. It’s not easy.’
Deepak Chahar, said, ‘ The preparation was good coming into this game. Will try to improve in the upcoming games. There were a lot overs remaining when I went in to bat today. The pacers were extracting some good pace and bounce, so I tried to target the spinners. This pitch was different, so you had to hit the right areas. If you don’t have variations, things are easier for the batters. So I think like a batter and bowl accordingly on the field.’
Mohammad Siraj, said, ‘It’s (dropped catches) a part and parcel of the game, my focus was to hit the right areas. My plan was to hit the back of a length area against Odean Smith. Eventually it proved to be right as I got him out. I try to confuse the batters with the outswinger, but the seam up delivery is my wicket taking delivery.’