India bowled first after winning the toss and restricted West Indies to 176 as Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 4 for 49 and Washington Sundar 3 for 30. In response, India raced to the target in 28 overs as Rohit top-scored with 60 off 51 balls. Speaking at the post-match conference, the opener asserted, “All I ask from players is to keep challenging themselves and be a little more innovative and try different things, so that when situation arises guys are up for it.”
The Men in Blue were 84 for no loss in the chase before floundering to 116 for 4. However, Suryakumar Yadav (34 off 36 not out) and debutant Deepak Hooda (26 off 32 not out) took the hosts home with an impressive partnership. Reflecting on the win, Rohit said, “I don’t believe in perfect game. You cannot be perfect. All in all a great effort from everyone. We ticked all boxes. Pretty happy with that.”
On what India could have done differently in the match, Rohit admitted, “With that bat we could’ve finished with not so many wickets, that is one. Could also have created pressure on their lower order. Don’t want to take any credit away. The way we bowled upfront and then towards the back end was good to see.”
The second ODI of the three-match series will be played in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 9.
--By A Cricket Correspondent