India vs Windies 2018: 1st T20I - Rohit Sharma Credits His Bowlers For Putting Up a Good Show

Team India showed character to seal the opening fixture of the three-match T20I series beating five Windies by wickets in a close fixture at the Eden Gardens.

Meanwhile, the new ball bowlers provided India with a good start following Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt bowl first. Umesh Yadav drew the first blood dismissing Denesh Ramdin in third over. Shai Hope was soon to follow with a brilliant piece of effort in the field from Manish Pandey and KL Rahul.

India continued their wickets taking spree as Windies struggled to offer any resistance. Shimron Hetmyer, who looked in good touch in the one-day internationals edged one to Dinesh Karthik off Jasprit Bumrah to put the visitors into more trouble. Reeling at 28 for three in 4.4 overs, debutant Krunal Pandya announced his arrival dismissing the dangerous looking Keiron Pollard.

Pollard, who returned to the international side after few months, showed some hint of form. He looked to steady the ship adding 14 runs before Pandya dismissed Pollard out.

Since then it was Kuldeep Yadav, who with his three-wicket haul put Windies on backfoot before Fabien Allen’s late contribution helped them go past the 100-run mark.

With 110 runs to chase, it was an easy looking target considering India’s heavyweight batting line-up. However, Windies struck in the first over to halt India’s run chase as Oshane Thomas had Rohit Sharma edged to Ramdin. Thomas continued his good form to rattle Shikhar Dhawan’s timber to put India on 16 for two within three overs.

The Caribbeans continued to surprise India sending four of their batters back to the pavilion with only 45 runs in the scoreboard. Since then, Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey shared a crucial stand to almost steer India home. Although Pandey (19) departed Krunal Pandya played a good hand to see off the target.

Rohit Sharma lauded the bowlers for their brilliant show and also made a special mention about debutant Krunal Pandya.

“Exceptional performance with the ball. Was a lot on offer for the seamers. Even with spinners, it wasn’t easy. Overall there was little bit for every department. To start with, we bowled well – good areas. Used the conditions perfectly. Knew the chase wasn’t going to be easy. Hopefully we can learn from these mistakes. Oshane Thomas is a really exciting talent. If he bowls in good areas, it’s not going to be easy for batsmen to counter it.

The advantage of height gives him that extra edge. Wish him the best in the future but not against us. Very exciting talents again – Krunal and Khaleel. Krunal – I’ve seen him closely in last two-three years for MI. When he came into bowl, Pollard was batting. He was the one who wanted to bowl against him. These guys are ready to take those challenges. Exciting for the captain when you see that. If they continue to work on their skills, India’s going to benefit for sure,” Rohit Sharma said.