Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was delighted after India’s comprehensive win of 228 runs against Pakistan in the Super Fours of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Monday. Rohit lauded KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah for their impressive return to ODI cricket.
Rahul, playing after recovering from thigh injury, scored a magnificent knock of 111 runs off just 106 balls with the help of dozen fours and two sixes. The flamboyant batter batted at the top of his game to deliver the goods and proved his mettle in the middle-order, squashing any doubts over his place in the final XI for the upcoming World Cup.
Rahul added an unbeaten alliance of 233 runs for the third wicket with Virat Kohli, who scored a fine knock of 122 runs, which is his 47th ODI century.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah got the ball to move both ways in his opening spell and also accounted for in-form Imam-ul-Haq. Bumrah had figures of 1-18 in the five overs he bowled and breathed down the neck of the Pakistan batters with his accurate line and length.
Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “Looked good, he swung it both ways and he’s worked really hard for the last 8-10 months. Bumrah is only 27, for him to miss games isn’t ideal but the way he bowled showed what he is all about. Looking at how we batted, there were lots of positives with the openers and then Virat and KL. Virat’s innings was brilliantly paced. And then KL, to get back from injury and then to know 5 minutes before the toss he’s playing, to play that way shows the mindset of the player.”
Meanwhile, there were many starts and stops because of the rain and the groundstaff worked hard to get the ground ready. Rohit also gave credit to the groundstaff for making the game possible despite continuous rains.
He added, “We just wanted to get out on the park, to get some game time. Lot of guys haven’t had that. That could only happen thanks to a great effort from the groundsmen. I know how tough it is to cover and remove covers from the whole ground. On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank them.”
India will aim to continue the good show and this dominating performance must have given them a lot of confidence. Team India will next take on Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Tuesday.
