This Indian team is reaching new summits with every passing game, and the fact that now they are number one in two formats of the game is a testament to that statement. The fifth and final ODI at Nagpur turned out to be a rather fine affair for the men in blue as once again, winning the all-important middle overs battle proved to be decisive for the hosts.
While Australia were cruising at one stage of the game, the spin duo of Axar Patel and Kedar Jadhav did the trick for India as they frequently picked up wickets. Being wicketless in the previous game, Axar made a daunting comeback as his three wickets opened up the avenues for the hosts. Towards the end, it was another masterclass from Jasprit Bumrah as his death bowling stood out.
The target was never going to be an issue for the batting heavy Indian side, and Rohit Sharma took that for real. His classy yet destructive knock of 125 was the final nail in the coffin for Australia and India sailed through to the target with a little over seven overs to spare.
Post the victory; skipper Virat Kohli lauded his side for such an emphatic performance.
“It feels good. It was a really convincing series win for us. Ticked all boxes. Happy with the way the team played. We repeated the way we played against Sri Lanka, proud of that. It’s become second nature for them, the management plays a big part in motivating the players,” said a delighted Virat Kohli.
Terming Hardik Pandya as the biggest positive of the series, Kohli said,
“We had a chance to retain the No. 1 spot and we ended up doing well. Bhuvi and Bumrah have been outstanding for us, have been a class apart. Whenever the game has slipped away, they’ve pulled it back nicely. Hardik Pandya has been the biggest positive. Good headaches, you don’t mind them. These guys have made it possible by their hard work.”