Reaching number one in the ICC Rankings is the ultimate goal for all sides. The men in blue achieved that in style against Australia at Nagpur with another scintillating performance. Coming on the back of a minor blip at Bangalore, the Indians were on point in all departments in the final ODI of the series, as the bowling set up the win.
The spinners for India have just been a revelation as Kuldeep Yadav has stood out every time. Apart from his hattrick at Kolkata, Kuldeep has emerged as a genuine wicket-taker for the Indians, who can turn around matches.
Axar Patel too had a fine outing as he picked up three wickets and got back to form. Carrying on his brilliance, Ajinkya Rahane registered his fourth successive half-century as his knock set up the chase for India.
Post the win; this is how the three men reacted after India wrapped up the series.
Ajinkya Rahane:
I think this wicket wasn’t easy, 240 was a job well done with the ball, but when we batted, the ball was coming really slowly, I enjoyed my knock today. I always want to do my best, Shikhar and Rohit have done well for us, we love the competition. Me and Rohit complement each other, we know our strengths, we wanted to time the ball and get a good opening partnership, that gave us the momentum. We never took them (Australia) lightly, they are a quality team and we need to recognise that. But we were playing at home and we knew these pitches better.
Axar Patel:
I thought I was coming back from injury in the earlier game but I had the confidence of having done it earlier. The good thing is that this is a bigger ground compared to Bangalore and I used my variations to get them out. This Australian side is definitely weak against spin. It was easier to bowl to the middle order when Warner and Finch, who have IPL experience, get out.
Kuldeep Yadav:
It was a tough series for me. I prepared well before the first game and it is difficult to bowl against these batsmen. We always look for wickets, all the spinners look to take wickets in the middle order. After my Test debut for India things have changed, I am getting a lot more chances and it is great to be part of a winning team.