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- India vs West Indies 3rd ODI Highlights: India thrash West Indies by 200 runs, win series 2-1
India vs West Indies 3rd ODI Highlights: India thrash West Indies by 200 runs, win series 2-1
It’s a special win. To be honest, I look forward to these kinds of games as a captain where there is something on the line. This was more than an international game. We knew what was at stake and there would be a lot of disappointment if we lost. The boys showed great character. They enjoyed it as well, in pressure situations it’s important to enjoy it as well. Virat and Rohit are integral parts of the team. But it was important to rest them so that people like Ruturaj Gaikwad could get a chance. It was about giving opportunities to youngsters. I took it deep intentionally, wanting to have some time out in the middle. Had a great chat with Virat before the game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle and get used to the 50 over format. Really thankful for him to share that experience with me. Once you hit one ball and get into rhythm things are very different. The ball was doing just a bit. Scoring 350 was always crucial. When you have a total like that, batters chase the ball and if luck is on your side, batters will nick it. Couple of really good catches by Gill. West Indies woke up very late and there was that partnership that took it to the 36th over. The game was kind of over in the powerplay itself. This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to the West Indies next time. Things like travel, hopefully the West Indies cricket board can take note and ensure that there are no hiccups. We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of.
Hardik Pandya, India's stand-in skipper
Not so happy with the finishing that I gave. I was supposed to score big after being set. That’s what my seniors told me, I should’ve stayed in and scored big. That’s what I’ll try next time, I’ll get set in the middle and score big. It’s important at this level to get set. It’s important to forget the last game and start from 0. I was thinking of taking it one ball at a time. [On Shubman Gill] He’s a tremendous player, I’ve seen how he middles the ball. Seeing him hitting it out of the middle gives me a lot of confidence as well. Always important to win at this level, the learnings from these games are important. We were looking to get early wickets, and didn't let any ball go. Everyone is looking very positive. I’ve played a few tournaments here and I know how the wickets play here, not really thinking about the next T20 world cup. Focussing on the upcoming tournaments, you know how one tournament can change your life. We’re just focussing on that now.
Player of the Series: Ishan Kishan (Three successive fifties -- 52, 55 & 77)
Hindsight is the best sight as I keep saying. We saw how the wicket was in the back end and I thought we restricted them well enough. We can look back and change many things but it is what it is. We didn't give them a challenge with the ball at the start. 350 was a gettable total on that wicket but today wasn't our day. Anytime you play, you gotta believe you can win. I keep stressing on that same thing - the consistency in attitude and the key is to get the guys together and turn some of these losses into wins.
Shai Hope, West Indies captain
Very special for me, I was looking for a big score but unfortunately that didn't happen and I'm happy that we ended up on the winning side. It was a good (the pitch), initially the ball was coming on nicely and as the ball got older it became tough to hit. In the last game, I was set and looking for a big one and tried to accelerate, you gotta keep putting the pressure on the opposition as that's the the ODI game has evolved recently. I just try to do my best and not think too much about who's playing or not.
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill (85 off 92; 11x4s)
It feels really great to spend some time in the middle, score some runs and contribute for your country. I had different plans for different players, I wanted to use my feet and dominate the lengths of the bowlers. Being an Indian cricketer is a challenging thing (speaking about adjusting to playing in different batting positions), I have played domestic cricket for the last 8-9 years and for India here and there, so it gives you a bit of understanding of playing in different positions. It is the number of overs you get and it is not about batting position so you gotta prepare accordingly. That (Kensington Oval) was a bit damp, but this (surface) looks a bit dry. With the new ball it was coming on nicely, but as the ball got old it was holding up and became slightly tough against the spinners. It was not easy to get that score, credit goes to the middle order batters for hanging in and getting that score. With our bowling order I'm confident. (of defending the target.)
Sanju Samson (51 off 41 balls; 4x6s, 2x4s)
Match Statistics
Venue
Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
