India’s super centurion Rohit Sharma says it’s important to learn from mistakes to do well in the long run
Opener Rohit Sharma feels pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the world's best death bowlers and the duo have contributed significantly to the recent limited overs success of the team.
ADVERTISEMENT
While Bhuvneshwar proved expensive in the series decider against New Zealand, Bumrah bowled brilliantly in the death overs to stop the visitors at 331 for seven in response to India's 337 for six. New Zealand, needing 30 off the last 18 balls with five wickets in hand, were on course for a famous series win before Bumrah dashed their hopes with a match-winning spell last night.
Rohit Sharma en route his 147 against New Zealand yesterday. Pic/ AFP
Rohit, who smashed 147 and stitched a record breaking 230-run stand with captain Virat Kohli at Green Park, said India could not have won seven bilateral ODI series in a row without Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah. "I think we have the two best death bowlers. If you look at the last series against Australia, the way they have bowled, you have to praise them a lot. Because if you look at Australia's batting, with their power hitting, those were the two bowlers who got us back most of the times," said Rohit after India sealed the series 2-1.
Like Bumrah, Rohit too rose to the occasion in a must win match after failing in the previous two matches. Rohit struck his 15th ODI hundred, his second in as many ODIs at this venue after the 150 he made against South Africa two years ago.
Rohit was satisfied with his effort. "I started off very cautiously because I understand the threat of Tim Southee and Trent Boult with the new ball. And once the shine of the ball was gone, it was about me not making mistakes and getting out. I have played here a few times now and I understand the nature of the wicket. So unless you make a mistake, you are not going to get out. And the most important thing about my batting was the partnership. Because once you get stuck in the partnership, it's always difficult [for the bowlers]," said Rohit.
He revealed that he consulted assistant coach Sanjay Bangar after the failure in Mumbai and Pune. "I did not make any mental change. There will be failures at times. It does not mean you need to change a whole lot. You need to focus on little things. I was trying to do that. Watching my videos, talking to our batting coaches," Rohit said.
"I like to follow my routine, which is to just understand the nature of the wicket and what shots you need to play."