Creating the partnership was important – Rohit Sharma on his synergy with Rinku Singh in India’s historic win

India walked away with the bragging rights in an oscillating battle in the final T20I in Bengaluru as they braved past Afghanistan in a double Super Over contest where Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, played a crucial role to secure the victory for the Men in Blue. 

However, that wasn’t the solitary shard of brilliance knitted together by the Indian skipper. With the Men in Blue rattled early at 22/4, it was Rohit who changed the complexion of the contest.

The Indian captain put together a stunning 69-ball 121* with 11 fours and 8 sixes, allowing India to race away to a momentous 212 on the board. While Rohit’s knock stood out, it was also his massive 190-run partnership along with Rinku Singh (69*) that helped India put on a massive total. 

On winning the Player of the Match award, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, “I don't remember when was the last time this happened. I think I batted 3 times in one of the IPL games. Creating the partnership was important and we (Rinku and I) kept talking to each other to not lose that intent in big games and it was a good game for us to be in, the pressure was there and it was important to bat long and deep and not compromise on the intent we wanted to show.”

The Indian captain further shed some light on Rinku Singh said, “The last couple of series that he played, he showed what he can do with the bat. Very calm and knows his strength pretty well. He is coming off age and doing what is expected of him and he has done really well for India. Augurs well for the team moving forward, wanted someone like that at the backend and we know what he has done in the IPL and he has carried that to the Indian colors as well.”