VVS Laxman hails Rohit Sharma captaincy credentials in Virat Kohli's absence

Chennai: Rohit Sharma’s Team India completed a clean sweep in the three-match T20I series against West Indies on Sunday and there were praises for the Men in Blue from all corners.

The hosts displayed their exploits in the shortest format of the game and hardly put a foot wrong against the Caribbean side despite the absence of star players Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

While Rohit proved his credentials again as one of the finest leaders in limited-overs format, VVS Laxman was quick to laud the Mumbai batsman for his leadership, stating he was becoming semiregular at the job.

“I was again mightily impressed with Rohit’s captaincy. He is becoming a semiregular at the job, especially in T20 cricket, and handled his troops admirably. He is proactive on the field and has clear plans, but isn’t afraid to improvise,” the former India batsman wrote in his column for The Times of India.

Rohit ended the series as the second highest run-getter behind opening partner Shikhar Dhawan and his fourth T20I hundred in Lucknow was a treat to watch for many.

“He also continued to bat beautifully, and his fourth T20I hundred in Lucknow was one for the ages. I have seen few batsmen combine power and elegance with such nonchalance,” Laxman added.

Skipper Rohit Sharma lauded India for completing a 3-0 clean sweep, saying he wanted his team to be ruthless in the third match against West Indies and not complacent after securing a 2-0 unassailable lead in the T20I series.

India on Sunday completed a 3-0 whitewash against the West Indies in the T20Is after registering a thrilling six-wicket win in the final match.

"We spoke at the start of this game that we wanted to be ruthless. There were chances of us being complacent and turning up at the ground. We didn't want to be complacent and wanted to come out and win," Sharma said.

India overhauled the 182-run winning target in the last ball and Sharma said he has been part of such close contests in the IPL.

"Games like these happen a lot. Especially in the IPL, these have happened a lot. I've been part of games like these with Mumbai Indians. Great effort to cross the finish line," he said.

Sharma said he would want his team to learn to handle pressure while bowling.

"As a team, there is always scope for improvement. We need to improve on handling pressure situations while bowling," he said.

India made two changes in the 3rd T20I, bringing Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar after BCCI decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav for the inconsequential match.

"It is important to stick to your strengths, and a lot of these guys have not played much for India so a home series like this was the perfect opportunity to show their talent," Sharma said.

"I was also very impressed with the fielding efforts in this tournament by the team."

Shikhar Dhawan, who was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match for his 62-ball 92, said: "It was a good match. We lost two early wickets, and I knew I had to stay at the crease. Rishabh played well, tremendous partnership between us. He batted really well.

"I knew he was going after the bowlers so I took a backseat and then I joined the party after he hit a few huge sixes. It doesn't matter to me what people say, and I just back myself and back my game."

West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite was disappointed to not cross the line despite taking the game to the last over.

"It would have been (great end to the series). We had a chat before the game and talked about every game being important. We wanted to put a smile on the fans' face but didn't get the result we would have liked," he said.

"I will take the effort and belief, especially taking it to the last ball after Shikhar and Rishabh's partnership.

"We saw a few balls grip but on reflection we did not switch quickly enough."

For West Indies, left-handed batsman Nicholas Pooran scored a quick-fire half-century to power them to a competitive 181 for 3.

Talking about the talent in West Indies cricket, Brathwaite said: "There are a few here; Shai, Hetmyer and Pooran. But it is important to get the best out of everyone and create a unit that can challenge for the T20 World Cup in Australia.