07 March,2011 01:08 PM IST | | AFP
India coach Gary Kirsten believes India passed a crucial World Cup test by batting second and claiming a five-wicket win over Ireland.
India had batted first in their first two games, racking up 370 and 338 against Bangladesh and England before skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to field against Ireland.
"It was important that we chased and got used to batting second and getting to understand what to do in different situations," said Kirsten, whose team sit on top of Group B.
"Two points is everything and we will face different challenges in different games, we dont want to have easy games all the way through."
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India next face rock-bottom Netherlands in New Delhi on Wednesday where Yuvraj Singh will be looking for a repeat of his all-round success against Ireland.
Yuvraj became the first player to take five wickets and hit 50 runs in the same World Cup match.
"Yuvraj did well all round," added Kirsten. "He has been working hard on his cricket and wants to contribute with bat and ball. I am pleased with the way he went about his batting."
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