We want to continue winning momentum from Australia series: Rohit Sharma

Ahead of the 1^st ODI against New Zealand, Indian team’s vice-captain Rohit Sharma said that India are looking to continue the winning momentum from the Australia series. India tasted unbeaten success in their long home season and have upset every visitor that came to this part of the subcontinent. Their winning streak extended to West Indies and Sri Lanka too where their record as a team only got better.

After being appointed as the vice-captain nearly 2 months back, he has enjoyed success, individually too. His good form reflects in the two centuries and two half-centuries in the last 10 innings that include the series in Sri Lanka and the one against the Aussies. His statement in the press conference ahead of the first encounter against the Black Caps reflected of his own positive mindset and confidence as well as the team.

In an excerpt of the press conference posted on BCCI’s Twitter handle, he can be seen saying, “We would like to do where we left against Australia, we want to continue to do that (against New Zealand).”

Not complaining about the lack of time the team got to take rest and prepare for another series as they head into another grueling contest with the Kiwis just 12 days after finishing it off with the team Down Under, he mentions that it is an advantage that they did not get any time because the team is still in the match-winning mindset as they were against Australia.

Speaking about facing the left-arm pacer Trent Boult, the Indian vice-captain said, “The last time India had a left-arm seamer was a long time back. I think Zaheer Khan was the last who played for India in the ODI format. Our team is used to that now and we have performed exceedingly well. For us as batters, it will be a challenge to face a left-arm seamer and Trent Boult being one of their prime left-arm fast bowlers, it will be a huge challenge for all the batters to come good against (him).”

“The good thing is that there’s hardly been any time between the Australia series and the New Zealand series, so the guys are in their groove. And I hope we put up the same performance as we did in the last series against Australia,” he added.

India, who had claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings have now slipped to No. 2 after being displaced by South Africa, are looking to get back to winning ways and end the series with a position at the top again.

"We want to continue the winning momentum from Australia series", says Vice-captain @ImRo45 #TeamIndia #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/9xlPKxeo3s

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 20, 2017