Rohit Sharma lauded the team effort after the series win in Ranchi on Friday. The final T20I of the three-match series is at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
“Great effort from the entire unit... It wasn’t the easiest of conditions but the way we applied ourselves was great,” Rohit said after the seven-wicket victory.
He said he knew the team could bounce back even after the New Zealand openers provided a brisk start. “Under pressure, we know their quality as a batting outfit. I kept telling the bowlers it’s just about one wicket, if we get that we can put the brakes. We know the quality of our spinners and can always pull things back.”
He praised the youngsters who have performed creditably in the absence of some of the regulars. “The quality of the bench has been amazing. They have been performing consistently whenever they get the chance. It is important for me to give them the freedom. The external matters will take care of themselves. It is a young team and the guys haven’t played a lot of games. It is important that the guys get time in the middle.”
Rohit didn’t wish to speculate anything about the changes to the side in the final T20I. “It is early to think about changes in the next game. Whatever suits the team, we’ll do that. We need to make sure we look after the guys who are playing now. They haven’t played a lot either. For the guys who haven’t played, their time will come, there are a lot of T20s.”
Man of the Match Harshal Patel also came in for special mention. “Harshal has done it time and again, he is a very skilful bowler. Even in these conditions, he used the slower ball really well.”
Harshal, 30, admitted the success was yet to sink in. “It ran through a bit because you’re so engrossed in the process you forget to enjoy what’s happening around you. You have to be engrossed and switched on from the moment you walk out, but it will sink in… I couldn’t have asked for a better debut,” Harshal said.
“Progress has been gradual and slow, someone like me who wasn’t exceptionally talented… I had to build my game from the ground. So I made mistakes and then found the process of what works for me. It’s been a great journey, taught me so many life lessons, even after cricket it will hold me in good stead.”
