MSD Credits Bowlers for Win, Virat Admits Being Rohit’s ‘Big Fan’

Indian skipper MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli react after India’s 3-0 whitewash against Australia.

(Photo: Reuters)

A last ball victory, a record 198-run chase and India bagged the T20 series against Australia 3-0 on Sunday. The trophy, skipper MS Dhoni’s first in over a year and a half, gave the team a lot to cheer for and the captain gave the credit where it was due.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, MS Dhoni said his bowlers were the ones who should be given credit for the win, saying they delivered the extra 10 per cent that was missing in the just concluded ODI series that India lost 4-1.

A lot of credit to the bowlers. In the ODI series the batsmen were doing well, but we needed the extra 10 per cent from the bowlers. That has changed with (Jasprit) Bumrah coming in, Nehra’s experience and others getting their act together. The batsmen have taken it up a notch, but it is the bowlers who have done their job better, which has made the difference.

MS Dhoni, Indian captain

When asked if this is what the team would look like for the upcoming World T20 at home, Dhoni said he would be retaining most of the squad. Good news for Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh fans- both players making a comeback to the Indian dressing room after years, for this series.

There might be one or two changes based on the conditions in the World T20, but this is roughly what our T20 side will look like.

The Indian T20 team with the trophy. (Photo: Twitter.com/BCCI)

Dhoni’s deputy, Virat Kohli was named Man of the Series for his three back-to-back half-centuries. And though on Sunday, he could not be at the crease to bring the team home he said he was only too happy to see comeback men Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh close the Aussies out in the end.

I was disappointed when I got out because I wanted to finish the game off. I challenge myself to finish them off when I chase. The way Yuvi (Yuvraj) and (Suresh) Raina, both of them coming back, finished it off, credit to their character.

He also credited Rohit Sharma for his terrific batting in the series.

I have said this many times that I am a big fan of Rohit. The timing he’s got, and the miles he can hit the ball.