Captain Rohit Sharma revels in return to form
India’s victory against Bangladesh represented something close to the perfect game for stand-in captain Rohit Sharma – he won the player of the match award for his innings of 89, marshalled his troops excellently in their defence, and saw his side become the first side to qualify for the Nidahas Trophy.
It was sorely needed too. Though this is India’s third T20I win on the bounce, Sharma himself came into this game in questionable form, with a high score of just 21, and an average of 12 in his last five T20I innings. Paradoxically, a tough batting pitch gave him the perfect opportunity to find some rhythm.
“It was important for me to return to form,” he said after the game. “The pitch wasn't the usual wicket, and the ball was gripping. It wasn't easy to hit on the up as well, so I decided to take some time getting set. I knew the new batsmen would find it tough.”
India’s total wasn’t all down to Sharma – they also had Suresh Raina’s hand of 47 to thank as he added 102 in less than 10 overs with his captain. “Raina's been in terrific form too, so I hope he does well in the final too,” said Sharma.
Despite their stand and his own efforts, Sharma still felt his side were “10-15 short” at the innings break, and in a competition where, coming into this game, no team had won while defending a target, it would take something special for India to win. It was 18-year-old off-spinner Washington Sundar who provided it, claiming three wickets inside the first six overs of the reply to set Bangladesh back.
“Washington's spell up front was magical,” enthused Sharma. “It's not easy for a spinner to bowl with the new ball, so hats off to him. Washington has been courageous to take the ball from me, he’s not afraid to flight the ball, and he's very clear on what he wants to execute. That allows me to breathe easy. When a bowler knows what field to set, that talks a lot about that individual.”
Another bowler who didn’t enjoy such a good day was right-arm seamer Mohammad Siraj, who leaked 40 from his first three overs. He managed to recover to defend 28 with ease in the last over however, claiming the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and conceding just 10 runs.
“Before Siraj's final over, all I told him was to keep it simple,” said Sharma. “I just wanted him to continue bowling the back-of-the-length ball because we found that tough to hit as well. Whatever I've seen of him, he can execute those plans. I can understand nerves, but he's a great talent. He will go strength to strength. It wasn't a great game for him, but he's a great talent.”
India will play in the final on Saturday, with their opponents yet to be decided. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh enter their Friday fixture level on points, and with a victory apiece.