Peerless Kohli, nerveless Jadeja and big-hitting Thakur seal the series for India
West Indies played their part in a classic in Cuttack as the decider went down to the wire
West Indies played their part in a classic in Cuttack as the decider went down to the wire
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: Varun Shetty
10:09pm And that is all we have from this series. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you soon.
Virat Kohli: Having done it so many times, you obviously have a bit more calmness and you understand how the dew is playing and all you need is a short partnership. From there the opposition usually crumbles. It was outstanding to see others finishing the game. Honestly when I got out I had a nervous phase, but I looked back at Jaddu and he looked confident. They just changed the game in three overs. Watching from outside is way more difficult.
2019 has been one of the best years for Indian cricket. Apart from the 30 minutes in the World Cup, it's been a great year. We'll keep chasing that ICC trophy. But apart from that, the way we've played has been satisfying. Having a bunch of fast bowlers who can bowl out any opposition anywhere - them taking the attention away from the spinners in India is a huge achievement. We feel we have it in us to win series overseas, not just the odd game. We are in the process of trying out people, see how they react under pressure. Whether people want to accept it or not, the younger people will have to step up in a few years.
Rohit Sharma: It was a decider, we wanted to win this game. We've always seen it in Cuttack, especially, it's a good batting track. We wanted to make runs upfront. But the way Virat and KL batted and Jadeja at the end. I quite enjoyed Shardul's pull shot, even if it was a top edge. Extremely grateful for the year I've had. A World Cup victory would have been nice but as a team, throughout the year, whether red ball or white ball cricket, the team came together really well. Personally I've enjoyed batting, but there's no way I'm stopping. There's an exciting year coming up. I understand my batting really well. I want to play within my limits, knowing the gameplan you want to execute is very important. Even in the red ball format, against South africa it was going to be challenging. Once we start traveling, we want to win games and stay on top of the table.
Rohit Sharma is the Man of the Series.
Virat Kohli is the Man of the Match.
Kieron Pollard: I don't think there's much to be disappointed about. Obviously results matter but if you look at where we are from where we've come from, I can't fault the boys, they showed their mettle. Well done to India and we competing with them was a positive. Lot of exciting talent here. It's just a matter of allowing them to express themselves. There's a lot to look forward to in the near future. I'm very very excited of what's to come.
Shardul Thakur: If I'd thought about Kohli getting out, I would just be under pressure. There was a set batsman at the other end. It was one of those days. I know I have the talent to bat at No. 8. If I can contribute these runs when the team needs me, I would be glad.
9:39pm And there are the fireworks again. India have sealed the series with eight balls to spare. West Indies challenged consistently throughout the series and came just short in some crucial moments. This target, itself, came after a late surge in their batting innings. Perhaps they will rue not having a few more in a tight finish like this. Sensational innings from Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard were outdone by India's top three - Rohit, Rahul, Kohli, all putting up fifties in a game where the middle order failed to make contributions. All of it sealed smartly by Jadeja at the end, with a cameo from Thakur adding the flair. 2-1.
Russell : "All I want for Christmas is a hatrick pretty please "
Back around the wicket
Goes over the wicket
Amit Prakash: "Jadeja has to keep his record by not batting in 50th over, have it over by 49th." --- Keemo Paul will bowl the 49th
Arunabh : "I was very vocal and critical about Shardul Thakur as an international player. Now, i am maintaining silence. "
Pooran's fire and Pollard's ice gave India a scare and showed the way forward for West Indies
Once Kohli got out, Jadeja took centerstage and finished things off the way his captain wanted him to
India's captain and their vice-captain Rohit Sharma look back on the year 2019
Plus, Rohit Sharma sets a new year-end high for opening batsmen
West Indies played their part in a classic in Cuttack as the decider went down to the wire