This story is from November 13, 2018

I'm impressed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy: VVS Laxman

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was left highly impressed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy as the Mumbai stalwart led the hosts to a 3-0 clean sweep against West Indies in the T20I series.
I'm impressed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy: VVS Laxman
Rohit led India to a 3-0 T20I series win against West Indies. (TOI Photo)
Key Highlights
  • India on Sunday completed a 3-0 whitewash against West Indies in the T20Is after registering a six-wicket win in the final match in Chennai.
  • Rohit smashed his fourth T20I ton to set up India's series-clinching win in Lucknow.
  • Kuldeep Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's series win.
NEW DELHI: Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was left highly impressed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy as the Mumbai stalwart led the hosts to a 3-0 clean sweep against West Indies in the T20I series.
In his column for the Times of India, Laxman wrote, "Twenty20 cricket is the Windies' most preferred version, and they have shown their liking for the game's shortest format by winning the World T20 on two occasions.
Against that backdrop, they will look back on the three-match shootout against India with a great deal of disappointment, and not merely because Rohit Sharma led the hosts to a 3-0 sweep."
India on Sunday completed a 3-0 whitewash against West Indies in the T20Is after registering a thrilling six-wicket win in the final match in Chennai.
"Even though the Windies were without some of their big names, there still was enough firepower and potential in the emerging batsmen to leave their imprint. But they let themselves down in the first two games with questionable shot selection and a distinct discomfort against the left-arm wrist spin of Kuldeep Yadav. That their best batting performance came in the last match in Chennai, for which Kuldeep was rested, is telling. Even that, however, was not enough for them to leave Indian shores with a consolation victory," Laxman added.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed 92 and put on a crucial 130-run third wicket stand with Rishabh Pant, who hit 58.
"The difference between the sides was in the performance of the senior batsmen. While Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan masterminded India's dominance, the Windies didn't get like results from Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard. Especially given the lack of penetration in the bowling - apart from the exception of the exciting Oshane Thomas - the visitors were heavily dependent on their batting. When that department didn't deliver, they really had little chance," Laxman opined.

Rohit smashed his fourth Twenty20 international century -- the most by any batsman in the format -- to set up India's convincing 71-run series-clinching win in Lucknow.
"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. 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 wrote.
Dhawan, who struggled throughout the preceding ODI series against West Indies, returned to form with a smashing 92 off 62 balls.
"It was wonderful to see Shikhar get back among big runs ahead of the tour of Australia, and his partnership with young Rishabh Pant all but sealed the deal in Chennai. However, Pant must understand that what is his strength can easily lead to his downfall if he is not careful. While it is imperative to embrace natural freedom, he will be well advised to play high-percentage strokes, more so when he is adept at doing so," Laxman asserted.
Kuldeep Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's series win.
"Jasprit Bumrah was excellent as ever while Kuldeep is clearly among the best bowlers in white-ball cricket. What was pleasing was his control, even as he unfurled his vast bag of tricks. That the Windies batsmen had little clue which way the ball was turning was the perfect reflection of Kuldeep's mastery over his craft," Laxman concluded.
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