 "World Cup 2023, IND vs BAN: Rohit heaps praise on Kohli and Jadeja, provides fitness update on Pandya")
Skipper Rohit Sharma hailed both Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja for their contributions towards India’s seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC World Cup match Pune on Thursday, besides providing an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table Kohli (103 not out) produced another masterclass in chasing while Jadeja (2/38) not only was economical with the ball, but was also electric on the field as India restricted Bangladesh to 256/8 before romping home to victory with more than eight overs to spare. “It was a good win. Something that we were looking forward to. We did not start well but we pulled it back well in the middle stages and at the back end as well,” Rohit, who got India off to a flying start with a 40-ball 48, said during the post-match presentation.
Rohit also offered his take on Kohli beating Jadeja to the Player of the Match award, which had appeared a certainty for the latter for the most part in Thursday’s fixture. “He was brilliant with the ball and took a brilliant catch. But a hundred is a hundred, you cannot beat that,” the ‘Hitman’ added. The Indian skipper also provided a crucial update on Pandya, who suffered an ankle injury three deliveries into his first over after Bangladesh opted to bat, and did not return to the field for the remainder of the match, with Virat Kohli bowling out the remaining deliveries of his first over. An update from the BCCI added that he was subsequently taken for scans. “He pulled up a bit sore. There is no major damage, that is good for us. But obviously with an injury like that, we have to assess every day and we will do whatever is required,” Rohit said. Kohli, who brought up both the winning runs as well as his 48th ODI century with a six off Nasum Ahmed in the 42nd over, not only ‘apologised’ to Jadeja for “stealing” the ‘Player of the Match’ from him, but also explained the significance of finishing a chase after having missed out on the same in the opening game against Australia. “Sorry for stealing it (PoTM Award) from Jaddu. I wanted to make a big contribution. Have made fifties in World Cups, wanted to finish it off this time. “The pitch was good, allowed me to play my game - hit the gaps and find the boundaries whenever I could. Great atmosphere in the dressing room. The spirit is there for everyone to see. You need to create some momentum in the changing room to come out and play like this. Special feeling to play in front of such crowds,” added Kohli, who is just one century short of equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI hundreds. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who filled in for the injured Shakib Al Hasan on Thursday, lamented the fact that his side weren’t quite able to finish things off on an ideal note with the bat, and fell well short of a par score on the belter of a surface at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. “Tanzid (Hasan Tamim) batted really well and all the fast bowlers bowled pretty well. But we did not finish well (with the bat). If Tanzid and Litton (Das) batted longer, could have been a different ballgame. Hopefully in the next game, our batters can take responsibility,” added the Bangladeshi No 3 batter.