IND vs ENG 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma pleased with India’s bench strength ahead of T20 and ODI World Cup

Team India captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday acknowledged that there are ‘some solid guys’ waiting in the wings but said his team will need to improve further moving ahead. Chasing 260 to win the series-deciding third ODI and claim the rubber, India reached their target with five wickets in hand and 47 balls to spare, thanks to Rishabh Pant’s maiden century in the format and Hardik Pandya’s all-round heroics. The India skipper said the side will look to focus on the bench strength.

“We’ve got some solid guys sitting on the bench who’ve been waiting to get a game. Want to create that bench strength (ahead of T20 World Cup). Injuries are bound to happen, have to manage workload, so need to build bench strength. Have got some solid guys who will get their opportunity in the West Indies,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Very pleased (with series win). We came here, wanted to achieve something as a group in white-ball, and we did. Moving forward there are things we need to improve but pleased with the effort,” India captain added.

. . . . . . . . ! #TeamIndia | #ENGviND pic.twitter.com/8SETL5xAhh — BCCI (@BCCI) July 17, 2022

India won both the white-ball series after losing the COVID-delayed rescheduled fifth Test. “We came here, wanted to achieve something as a group in white ball. We were here last time and were beaten, I remember that. Not an easy place to come and win games.

“It was a good pitch to bat on, but England could not capitalise, and even India's top-order crumbled against left-arm seamer Reece Topley. But the duo of Pant and Hardik ensured the tourists emerged winners, and the skipper was full of praise for his young stars. It was a good pitch, but we do understand it’s not going to be easy if we lose wickets upfront. Positive side of it, these guys haven't batted much in the middle overs. Today we got to see that with Hardik and Rishabh. At no point we felt they were panicking. They backed themselves and played cricketing shots,” Rohit said.

Rohit admitted that the top-order, which also includes himself, got out to poor shots. “To be honest, the wicket didn’t have much. We played some not so good shots. Still back those guys (Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan) to come out good. (It was) one of those series where top order hasn't come to the party. Have got nothing more to say because I know the quality they bring to the team.”

Regarding Pant, he said, “We all know what talent he has. Finally today he was playing the situation. The partnership changed the game for us. The way he finished the game was also special.”

(with PTI inputs)