We showed a lot of character to win the series after losing the first game: Rohit Sharma

India notched up yet another series win and added another trophy to their cabinet. They comprehensively beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets to take the series 2-1. Rohit Sharma won his first series as captain and put behind a dismal debut. He bounced back with a stunning double century in the second game and the third ODI saw a team effort take India home.

Vizag has always been a happy hunting ground for India. Sri Lanka never had a chance from ball one as the hosts were out there to win and win big. A total of 216 was never going to trouble the in-form Indian batters as they won with eight wickets to spare. Kuldeep Yadav and Shikhar Dhawan starred with ball and bat respectively.

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and also Kuldeep Yadav had something or the other to say after the game.

Rohit happy with the comeback

The stand-in captain got out for a duck in the first game and then came back with a double century. His team lost the first game comprehensively but eventually won the series 2-1. He was happy with the team’s performance and said that they responded extremely well to the pressure.

“Terrific comeback after the first match. We showed a lot of character, at one point, they had a run-rate of six. That has been a hallmark of this team when we have been put under pressure, we’ve responded. The first game was testing as a captain. The second game, we had enough runs, it was the perfect game for me to settle in as a captain,” said Rohit after the game.

I am batting my best – Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan was at his best when he scored his twelfth ODI century. The left-hander was ecstatic and said that he was batting at his best. He said that his experience helps him convert his 50s into 100s. A small shuffle in the technique is all it took for him to get back to his best. He also said that he knows how to handle situations, especially when under pressure.

“I feel like I’m batting my best, I know my game well now, which is why my consistency has gone up. A bit on technique and changed my guard. I’m an experienced player, I know how to handle situations, and my success rate has gone up. Most of the time I score fifty, I look to go for a century,” said Dhawan.

The wicket was good for spinner – Kuldeep

Kuldeep Yadav, after being out for a few games was back in the side and did well. He picked up three important wickets and brought Sri Lanka’s soaring run-rate down. The chinaman partnered well with his fellow leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He said that the pitch gave him sharp turn which was enough motivation.

He said, “We’re just looking for middle-order wickets. The wicket was good for spinners, we were getting sharp turn, that motivated me. It’s just about preparation, working on my fitness.”