His Test captaincy began with a win, an excited Rohit Sharma said on Sunday as India ticked all the boxes in the opening Test of the two-match series here against Sri Lanka.
Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with his all-round performance as he scored an unbeaten 175 with nine wickets in India’s innings to register a 222-run win against Sri Lanka in a match that ended within three days.
After being bowled out for 174 in the first innings, Sri Lanka, who had lost 16 wickets that day, were bowled out for 178 in their second essay.
“It was a good start. It was a great game of cricket from our point of view. We ticked all the boxes we wanted. To be honest, I didn’t think it would be the kind of Test match that ended in three days. Will be done.
“It was a good batting pitch, it had some twists and some assistance for the fast bowlers as well,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Great credit to the guys, they bowled very well together, kept the pressure up and never took it easy for the Sri Lankan batsmen. We just made sure we put pressure on both sides.
“Good signs for India cricket. A lot of performances, historic Test match for Virat (Kohli) and we wanted to come here first and foremost and win the Test. Glad to see such a great individual performance.”
Jadeja (175 not out, 5/41 and 4/46) made the match his own, while Ravichandran Ashwin (4/47 in 21 overs) also scored satisfactory, replacing Kapil Dev (434 in 131 matches) as India’s second highest. Took a big wicket. -Taker with 436 victims. He is now behind only Anil Kumble by 619 wickets.
Ashwin achieved this feat in his 85th Test match as compared to Kapil’s 131 matches.
Rohit became the second Indian captain after Polly Umrigar to win his maiden Test charge by an innings, under which India defeated New Zealand by an innings and 27 runs in Mumbai in 1955–56.
Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne called on his batsmen to improve the game after the humiliating defeat.
“We never thought it would be over for three days. Batsmen need to put their hands up and play long innings. When you are playing against India you have to take advantage of the start, on this track. It was easy to bat, once you get runs you have to score byes.”
Karunaratne too took a jibe at his bowlers, saying there was a need to strike a balance in the second Test in Bengaluru, the pink ball game starting March 12.
“If we had bowled better, we could have banned him. We were too defensive or too aggressive with the bat, there needs to be a balance between the two by rotating the strike and that’s how you play big innings.
“As a batting unit we have to put our hands up and score big. We did well in the first two seasons but when the ball got old, we couldn’t execute it and we need to work on these things.”
Man of the match Jadeja considers the PCA Stadium his lucky ground and said that he never looks at the statistics while batting or bowling.
“I would say this is my lucky ground. I get positive vibes whenever I come here. I wanted to partner with Rishabh (Pant), give him strike and enjoy his batting from the other end. To be honest, I am not aware of any figures.”
The Saurashtra all-rounder said his performance here has boosted his confidence.
“Feels great, it’s a pleasure to score runs and take wickets for the team. Obviously as a player you boost your confidence with such performances. I haven’t done anything different, just played to my strengths and I give myself time to settle down.
“I want to keep it very simple in the middle. I haven’t played with the SG pink ball so it will be different and I will practice for a few days, hopefully it will be good,” Jadeja concluded.
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