Indian captain Rohit Sharma was all praise for his team's performance following their convincing 47-run victory over Afghanistan. He credited the win to a well-rounded performance and highlighted the importance of their pre-match planning based on their understanding of the local conditions.
This emphasis on preparation suggests that India took a strategic approach to the match, which ultimately paid off with a comfortable victory.
India's Rohit Sharma all praise for team after dominant win
"The last two years we've played T20s here, so we understand the conditions and planned accordingly. We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters. We had class bowlers who defended it perfectly. Everyone came in and did their job, that's critical and we dwell on it. SKY and Hardik's partnership was critical at that point, we needed someone to bat deep which they did," Rohit said during the post-match presentation.
Jasprit Bumrah was pick of the bowlers for India as he as he returned with brilliant figures of 4-1-7-3.
"We know Bumrah's class and what he can do. Important for us to use him smartly regardless of conditions. He's willing to responsibility and he's been doing it for years," Rohit added.
Will Team India stick with Kuldeep Yadav?
India opted for a three-spinner strategy against Afghanistan, but captain Rohit Sharma hinted at a return to their pace-heavy attack in upcoming matches. This flexibility, he explained, allows them to adapt their bowling line-up based on the pitch conditions and the opposition they face. Previously, India utilized three pacers and two spinners during the group stage. In their first Super 8s match, however, they incorporated Kuldeep Yadav into the starting eleven, creating a three-man spin attack. Kuldeep dazzled with a two-fer in which he took the prized wickets of Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi. When questioned about the potential for a permanent shift to this approach, Rohit emphasized their commitment to remaining flexible and choosing the most effective combination for each encounter.
"Have to assess conditions, opposition and based on that we're open to make changes if required. Felt three spinners were good here, if it's seamer-friendly next time, we'll go with seamers," Rohit concluded.
India will now face Bangladesh in Antigua on June 22, while Afghanistan take on Australia in St Vincent on June 23.
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