Rohit Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Series as two crucial knocks of his — one in the penultimate game and then in the decider here at the Barabati Stadium — carried huge significance in India’s series victory over the West Indies.
No wonder Rohit is “grateful” for the year he has had, also acknowledging that a World Cup triumph would have made the success sweeter.
“I’m extremely grateful for the year I’ve had. A World Cup victory would have been nicer but as a team, throughout the year — whether red-ball or white-ball cricket — the team came together really well.
“On a personal front, I’ve enjoyed batting. There’s no way I’m stopping,” the vice-captain said at the post-match presentation after India’s four-wicket victory in the final ODI on Sunday.
Rohit understands his game better now and his focus will be on playing within his limits in the “exciting” year coming up.
“There’s an exciting year coming up. I understand my batting really well… In fact, even better now… But I want to play within my limits. Knowing the game plan I want to execute is very important,” he emphasised.
Talking about India’s victory in the decider that turned out to be a close encounter, Rohit lauded the knocks of captain Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, whose cameo played a critical role in the end. He also praised KL Rahul. He added that he really enjoyed the pull shot made by Shardul Thakur (off Sheldon Cottrell’s bowling in the 48th over of India’s reply). Shardul came in at No. 8 after Kohli’s dismissal.
“It was a decider and we really wanted to win this game. We’ve always seen that in Cuttack a good batting track is on generally offer.
“We wanted to make runs upfront. But the way Virat and KL (Rahul) batted, and Jadeja at the end was truly praiseworthy. I did quite enjoy Shardul’s pull shot, even if it was a top edge.”
Looking back at the year, Rohit said the task of opening in Test cricket, especially against South Africa, was something he found quite challenging. But going forward, emphasis will also be on winning away matches and staying securely perched at the top.
“… Once we start travelling, we want to win games and remain at the top of the table,” Rohit concluded.
On the other hand, Kieron Pollard prefers to look at the positives out of this series for the Windies. “I don’t think there’s much to be disappointed about.”