Right, this is India's 7th series win on the trot at home and they're on a run of 11 consecutive T20I wins, starting with the win over Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup. But as we saw in the UAE, it's not the number of wins going into the big tournament that counts, it's how you start the World Cup that matters. It took just 2 defeats for India's hopes of lifting the trophy to come crashing down in October, 2021, but this build-up augurs well going into the future. The death over bowling was a cause of concern tonight, but they'll get another chance to rectify tomorrow as the teams return for the final fixture. We'll be back as well - do join us for all the action. For now, cheers and bye..
Right, this is India's 7th series win on the trot at home and they're on a run of 11 consecutive T20I wins, starting with the win over Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup. But as we saw in the UAE, it's not the number of wins going into the big tournament that counts, it's how you start the World Cup that matters. It took just 2 defeats for India's hopes of lifting the trophy to come crashing down in October, 2021, but this build-up augurs well going into the future. The death over bowling was a cause of concern tonight, but they'll get another chance to rectify tomorrow as the teams return for the final fixture. We'll be back as well - do join us for all the action. For now, cheers and bye..
Shreyas Iyer | Player of the Match - I feel when I do that, the body reflexes work well and I can time my movement well. That's why I backed away (on the ball that nearly bowled him), but he bowled it well, full and the swing took it away from the stumps. I was in shock when I saw the replays myself. It was important for me to time the ball - it was swinging and seaming. Ishan started well, but when he got out, Sanju got us going, and when he was dismissed, Jaddu bhai came out to close the match for us. I wasn't really thinking (asked if Lahiru Kumara should have been given an extra over), was focussed on myself and at the present - that's what we always talk about in the team meetings. When I faced the first few balls, I realised it wasn't turning (on the spinner), so I knew I could use the feet, the ball was travelling well, so I could step out on the lofted shots.
Shreyas Iyer | Player of the Match - I feel when I do that, the body reflexes work well and I can time my movement well. That's why I backed away (on the ball that nearly bowled him), but he bowled it well, full and the swing took it away from the stumps. I was in shock when I saw the replays myself. It was important for me to time the ball - it was swinging and seaming. Ishan started well, but when he got out, Sanju got us going, and when he was dismissed, Jaddu bhai came out to close the match for us. I wasn't really thinking (asked if Lahiru Kumara should have been given an extra over), was focussed on myself and at the present - that's what we always talk about in the team meetings. When I faced the first few balls, I realised it wasn't turning (on the spinner), so I knew I could use the feet, the ball was travelling well, so I could step out on the lofted shots.
Rohit Sharma | Winning captain - Yeah, it was something that was important, for the middle-order to come and string together a partnership was good to see. It's happened quite a few times over the past few games.
Rohit Sharma | Winning captain - Yeah, it was something that was important, for the middle-order to come and string together a partnership was good to see. It's happened quite a few times over the past few games.
Rohit on death bowling: Don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers, these things happen. We bowled well in the first few overs (in the batting powerplay), restricted them well, 80 runs in the last five overs, it's something we need to understand on things to be done in the last five overs, but we did well in the first 15 overs. The pitch was superb, the ball was coming on nicely and these things do happen.
Rohit on death bowling: Don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers, these things happen. We bowled well in the first few overs (in the batting powerplay), restricted them well, 80 runs in the last five overs, it's something we need to understand on things to be done in the last five overs, but we did well in the first 15 overs. The pitch was superb, the ball was coming on nicely and these things do happen.
Rohit on Sanju Samson and other exciting talents: We have a lot of talent in that batting unit, we will keep giving them the chances, it's up to them to make the most of it. I thought Sanju showed how well he could play with that knock, it's all about taking your opportunities. Lot of these guys are quite talented. They just need an opportunity to go out there and express themselves. There are a lot of guys waiting in the wings as well but their time will come as well. We've got to look after the guys who have been in and around the team for a while. We understand all these guys possess a lot of talent. So it's just about giving the opportunity and the backing from our side.
Rohit on Sanju Samson and other exciting talents: We have a lot of talent in that batting unit, we will keep giving them the chances, it's up to them to make the most of it. I thought Sanju showed how well he could play with that knock, it's all about taking your opportunities. Lot of these guys are quite talented. They just need an opportunity to go out there and express themselves. There are a lot of guys waiting in the wings as well but their time will come as well. We've got to look after the guys who have been in and around the team for a while. We understand all these guys possess a lot of talent. So it's just about giving the opportunity and the backing from our side.
Rohit on Shreyas Iyer and Jadeja: Was an important knock from Shreyas, couldn't have asked anything more from him, Jaddu came up well with the bat.
Rohit on Shreyas Iyer and Jadeja: Was an important knock from Shreyas, couldn't have asked anything more from him, Jaddu came up well with the bat.
Rohit on team changes for the third T20I: We'll sit down tomorrow, see what we can do (on any team changes), we have used 27 players so far, there could be more (laughs). When you win the series, there are guys who haven't had the opportunities. Some of the guys will have to play Tests, we'll have to look after everyone. It's the sign of the times we're in, it's fine to look after physically, but it's the mental thing that's important as well. At the end of the day, we need to keep winning and keep positive vibes going through in the team.
Rohit on team changes for the third T20I: We'll sit down tomorrow, see what we can do (on any team changes), we have used 27 players so far, there could be more (laughs). When you win the series, there are guys who haven't had the opportunities. Some of the guys will have to play Tests, we'll have to look after everyone. It's the sign of the times we're in, it's fine to look after physically, but it's the mental thing that's important as well. At the end of the day, we need to keep winning and keep positive vibes going through in the team.
Dasun Shanaka | Losing captain - It was a good score in the conditions, we started well, but should have done more in the powerplay. The ball did a bit during the powerplay though. We did plan to have Lahiru (Kumara) bowl after the first 6 overs, perhaps could have had him for one more over. The wicket was superb, the ball was coming on nicely and I played to my strengths. We will look to get out of the series with a win tomorrow.