IND vs BAN: "Axar Patel Showed A Lot Of Character; Shubman Gill's Hundred Was Brilliant" - Rohit Sharma After Loss To Bangladesh

India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma lavished rich praise on opener Shubman Gill and all-rounder Axar after the defeat against Bangladesh National Cricket Team in the 6th match of Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage on Friday, September 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

India faced a 6-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh after they failed to chase down the target of 266 and got bowled out for 259. With the win over the Men In Blue, Bangla Tigers registered their third victory over the side in the last four encounters between the teams.

Speaking after the match, Rohit Sharma said that they made five changes to the playing XI in order to provide some game time to players who are likely to play in the World Cup. He also lauded Axar Patel for keeping the hopes alive of Indian fans with his 42-run knock. Rohit Sharma said:

“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup. Axar batted brilliantly but couldn’t finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers.”

Rohit Sharma further praised Shubman Gill for his outstanding 121-run knock and said that the youngster has a very clear thought process. Rohit Sharma said:

“Gill’s hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there’s no optional practice for Gill.”

The main players of the team are set to return to the playing XI when India take on Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday in Colombo.

First wicket of Rohit Sharma bhai was a dream wicket – Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Rohit Sharma had a poor outing with the bat against Bangladesh as he was removed by the debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the first over itself for a 2-ball duck.

Speaking after the match, Tanzim Hasan Sakib said that dismissing the Indian captain Rohit Sharma was a dream wicket for him. He said:

“First wicket of Rohit bhai was a dream wicket. I concentrate on line and length and that is how I get success. When my team needs me to bowl longer spell, I am mentally prepared for that. Two ball eight runs it was so tight so I went for the yorker. We are going with a very good win against India.”