India on Sunday chased down a target of 316 in a thriller of a series finale to beat the West Indies by four wickets and take the three-match series 2-1 at the Barabati Stadium here.
It was the Men in Blue's last match of the year in which India finished second in ODI rankings and continued their reign at the top of Test rankings, and captain Virat Kohli said that it has been one of the best years for Indian cricket, barring their loss in the semifinal of the ODI World Cup.
"The year 2019 has been one of the best years for Indian cricket. Apart from the 30 minutes in the World Cup, it's been a great year. We'll keep chasing that ICC trophy. But apart from that, the way we've played has been satisfying," Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Kohli said that what has been particularly satisfying is the way the Indian fast bowling unit has grown into one of the best in the world, often taking the sheen away from the performances of the spinners. He said that this makes them a more confident touring side.
"Having a bunch of fast bowlers who can bowl out any opposition anywhere and them taking the attention away from the spinners in India is a huge achievement. We feel we have it in us to win series overseas, not just the odd game," he said.
Kohli once again played a key role in India's chase, scoring 85 off 81 balls as India completed the highest successful run chase in this venue.
"Dew is a big factor and since it was a good batting pitch, all you needed was a mini partnership and the opposition will start to crumble," he said.
The West Indies, however, seemed to have got right back into the game when Kohli was dismissed in the 47th over with India still needing 30 runs to win off 23 balls. But in came Shardul Thakur and smashed 17 runs off six balls to take away any advantage that the visitors may have gained.
"It was outstanding to see others finishing the game. Honestly, when I got out I had a nervous phase, but I looked back at Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and he looked confident. They just changed the game in three overs. Watching from outside is way more difficult," said Kohli.
Navdeep Saini made his ODI debut on Sunday and picked up two wickets. K.L. Rahul and Shreyas Iyer made cases for themselves at the top of the order and the contentious number four position, respectively, with consistent performances throughout the series.
Kohli said India are looking to blood younger players so that they can take the responsibility when the time comes.
"We are in the process of trying out people, see how they react under pressure. Whether people want to accept it or not, the younger people will have to step up in a few years," he said.
IPL 2024: Dominant Chennai Super Kings outplay Gujarat Titans in 63-run victory
While Chahar claimed 2-28 and Mustafizur Rahman, who continued to impress in CSK's second match, took 2-30, Tushar Deshpande was the best bowler of the day for CSK with 2-21.
IPL 2024: Dube's blazing fifty, Ravindra's 46 help CSK race to 206/6 against Gujarat Titans
Shivam Dube hammered a 23-ball 51 after Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad set frantic pace with a whirlwind 46 each as Chennai Super Kings blazed to 206/6 off 20 overs against Gujarat Titans
Sr Women’s Hockey Nationals: Manipur, Mizoram illuminate the rise of hockey in Northeast India
Manipur and Mizoram, two states synonymous with their rich traditions and picturesque terrains, have emerged as the torchbearers of hockey prowess in the Northeast India, showcasing their mettle in the 14th Hockey India Senior Women's National Championship.
IPL 2024: MS Dhoni hands over CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad
Right-handed opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the new captain of Chennai Super Kings ahead of their IPL 2024 season opener against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Hockey India's High-Performance Director conducts workshop for domestic head coaches
Hockey India High-Performance Director Herman Kruis conducted a workshop, focusing on contemporary coaching methods and grassroots hockey development on the sidelines of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2024 in Pune.
WFI informed UWW about Vinesh's twin participation, said 'committee allowed her, we didn't': Sources
Vinesh, who was at the forefront of the protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023, managed to secure a place in the 50kg weight category. However, she failed to win in 53kg.
India's chess champs await visas for WC qualifiers as Canada drags its feet
Noting that the "most prestigious tournaments in chess, the FIDE Candidates", is being held in Canada for the first time, FIDE said there are grave concerns about the "timely arrival of the players to Toronto".
Sangram Singh beats Pakistan’s Mohammad Saeed at International Pro Wrestling Championship in Dubai
After six years India's Sangram Singh returned to his winning ways as he beat Pakistan’s Mohammad Saeed in a closely contested bout by a final score line of 30-23 at the International Pro Wrestling Championship at Shabab Alahli Club.