Video of Rishabh Pant 77 runs in 40 Balls : 7 Sixes : India vs England

India vs England, 2nd ODI, 26 March, Pune

Match Result : England won by 6 wickets

Player of the Match : Jonny Bairstow

Ben Stokes: “The most pleasing thing for us as a team is that we didn’t go away from our values as a team. We were bitterly disappointed in that first game with the way we played in the chase, but it was pretty clear that we were going out with the same intent as we always do.

Great chase, really happy that we managed to get over the line quite easily specially when India set a challenging total. It was actually a better wicket than the first game. Over the years, we have set big totals, we have chased big totals. We don’t really fear too much to be honest. We go out and always try and play as positive as we can.

If we ever feel like we are stuck in a situation, we always encourage our players to take the positive option. From a personal point and the team’s point of view, it was great that were able to go out and express ourselves.”

Virat Kohli | Losing skipper: “I think we set up quite a decent total. It was going to be challenging if we stayed in the game for long periods. We started off well with the new ball, with our lines and lengths but England found a way to hang on and got a century partnership.

We did falter a bit at times but mostly, that was some of the best hitting that you’ll ever see. We never had a chance during their partnership (Stokes-Bairstow), that’s how good they were. Don’t think dew was much of a factor. Maybe the wicket settled a bit better but that’s no excuse. We just defended a score two days ago. Tonight was a case of lack of execution at certain stages but they didn’t give us anything.

It’s rare to play at such a high strike-rate and not give any chances. We need to manage his (Hardik) body. Need to understand where we need this skill set. Did utilise him in the T20Is but in the ODIs, it’s about managing his workload. We have Test cricket in England coming up too. So it’s important for us to have him fit.” 

Jos Buttler | Winning skipper: “Delighted with the response of the guys. We put in a very good bowling performance to restrict India to that total. I am delighted that we continued to commit to the fashion we want to play our cricket.

The guys in the middle overs did an exceptional job to restrict them at that stage when Rishabh Pant was going, that was a big wicket for us. The way the guys came out and played, fantastically well and then the partnerships from the start made it a brilliant chase. Fantastic opening partnership again, they have been pillar of our strength for a long period of time. They have been outstanding at the top of the order.

Delighted for Jonny to go on and reach the three-figures today and it was a top knock. That partnership with Ben Stokes was thrilling to watch. As a fellow player and as a fan to watch the fashion that they played, some of the strokes they took and the commitment to play in that way.”