We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in – Rohit Sharma on India’s change in the batting order

Despite popping a few eyeballs with the fall of five wickets in a chase of 115, India eventually managed to get home against West Indies in the series opener, as Ishan Kishan played a mature knock under the pump before Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma got the visitors home.

With the pitch playing its own part in the grander scheme of things, Rohit Sharma addressed a few important questions as India got their noses ahead in the three-match ODI series. He also talked about the change of batting line-up that saw Rohit walking out to bat at No.7 while Virat Kohli didn’t even come out to the middle.

Talking at the post-match presser, Rohit Sharma said, “I never thought the pitch would play like that, it was the team's need to bowl first and have a score. The pitch had everything for the seamers and spinners, our guys did well to restrict them to that score. We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in, we will keep trying those things whenever possible.”

He further added, “To restrict them to 115, we knew we could try these guys and give them a go. I don't think they'll get many chances like this. I made my debut for India and was batting at number 7, reminding me of those days. Mukesh was brilliant, he can swing the ball at a good pace. Good to see what he can offer, I haven't seen him much in domestic cricket.”

The Indian skipper concluded by saying, “No matter the conditions, we need to bowl in the right areas to restrict them and I thought our bowlers did brilliantly. And then Ishan was good with the bat as well.”