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Rohit pleased with middle-order response in series win
Follow UsShreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja scored quick runs after early loss of openers in the seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka
Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction at the batting performances from the middle-order in the 2-0 T20I series win against Sri Lanka. Unbeaten knocks from Shreyas Iyer (74 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (45 not out) and a contribution of 39 runs from Sanju Samson helped the hosts seal a seven-wicket win at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
"I think it was pleasing to see for us. The middle order coming out and performing is good to see those guys taking the responsibility and finishing off games," Rohit said in the post-match presentation on Saturday.
Put in to bat by India, Sri Lanka rode on Patthum Nissanka's 75 off 53 balls and Dasun Shanaka's 47 not out off 19 balls to post 183/5 in 20 overs, including 80 off the final five overs. Rohit felt that the Indian bowlers were not to be blamed after going for runs at the end.
"I don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers. It can happen these days, but we restricted them in the first 15 overs," he said.
Injuries to KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad and absence of Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli for the series presented opportunities for other batters and Rohit was happy that they made most of their chances.
"It was a good pitch to bat on as well. Lot of these guys are talented. They just need an opportunity to express themselves and backing from our side. To finish the way they did was really good," he said.
Rohit praised the partnership between Shreyas and Jadeja who added 59 from 25 balls to take India over the line with 17 balls to spare. He also hinted at more changes for the final T20I on Sunday.
"Jaddu came and looked positive from ball one and Shreyas as well. We lost a couple of wickets, but we wanted someone to stay till the end. If we need to rotate, we'll do it," he said.
Sri Lanka skipper Shanaka felt that it would be an improvement for his team if they manage to win the third T20I. The allrounder also hinted at more new-ball responsibilities for pacer Lahiru Kumara who dismissed Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan inside the Powerplay.
"We started really well, but we should've done more in the powerplay. If we got another wicket in powerplay, it could've been better for us. Lahiru must bowl at the first six overs. The game was set for me, the wicket was good and the ball was there for me. See another series lost, but if we get a win out of here it will be a positive," he said.
