It was a description of India's aggressive strategy in the recently concluded ODI series against England that India skipper Rohit Sharma reaffirmed that the players are at liberty to play according to their style without fear of losing their jobs because of the understanding from the team management.
India completed their preparation for next year's Champions Trophy in masterful style with the 3-0 England series whitewash. They completed the final game in style with a commanding 142-run win, reiterating their dominance.
In remarks after handing over the match, Rohit discussed team strategy, reiterating the necessity of giving the players an opportunity to play their natural game.
"There is a freedom in the team where all the players are able to play their natural game. The 2023 World Cup was a demonstration of that philosophy, and we would like to take it forward. There are going to be times when things are not going to go our way, but that's the game," he said.
Appreciating the collective performance of the team, he appreciated the team for rising to the occasion and playing well during the series.
"It was very pleasing to see how we performed as a unit. We were prepared for whatever came our way," he stated.
Though he didn't let out the cat among the pigeons, Rohit ensured that the team would remain busy planning to face the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
"Such are some things that we are working on, but I am not talking in detail. It is all about consistency, and communication has to be sharp. A championship team always enhances the performance with every match," he said.
Gill and Iyer Look Back on India's Dominance
Shubman Gill, both Player of the Series and man of the Match, recognized the stiff test by the pitch in the early stages of his innings but was satisfied with his hundred.
"I was comfortable out there. This was one of my good innings, no doubt about it. The pitch had some life at the start, so it was challenging. There was some assistance for the fast bowlers, so the emphasis was on rotating strike and not losing wickets too early in the Powerplay. Once we gained momentum, we took charge," Gill said.
Shreyas Iyer feels that India's victory in the series is a massive confidence builder ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"The dressing room is charged, and the team is playing on all cylinders. The win has given us gigantic momentum before the Champions Trophy," Iyer said.
Looking back at the series, he was impressed with the team's performance under pressure.
"You could see how individuals stepped up when it mattered, whether with crucial runs or key wickets. We’ve worked hard as a unit to make an impact under pressure," he added.
Despite scoring two half-centuries in the series, including a solid 78 in the final game, Iyer admitted he wished he had converted one into a century.
"I would have loved to have scored a hundred. In the first game, I tried to lay the tone for the side. In the second game, I played on instinct and got run out unfortunately. Yesterday, the foundation was laid by Shubman and Rohit, and I could build my innings," he added.
Buttler Admits England Was Outplayed
England skipper Jos Buttler conceded that his side was comprehensively outplayed by India throughout the series.
"We were playing a world-class team, and they performed better than us. We had the right game plan, but we weren't good enough in executing our plans. India's batting was phenomenal, and Shubman played a brilliant innings," Buttler said.
He once more conceded that England's consistent batting collapses are something to worry about.
"We began well once more, but it's an old tale. We have to be able to bat for longer. India is a class-first team that makes your opposition play catch-up all the time," he concluded.
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