The Indian ladies’s staff beat Sri Lanka by 19 runs within the closing to clinch the gold medal in Hangzhou on their maiden look.
Batting first, India posted 116 for 7 on a tough batting observe earlier than the Titas Sadhu-led bowling assault restricted Sri Lanka to 97 for eight in 20 overs.
“Now we have spoken to the lads’s staff. Now we have instructed them that we’re bringing the gold; you guys additionally carry it,” an elated Rodrigues instructed reporters right here.
“(It) feels nice. Simply to win the gold is particular, and being the primary Indian cricket facet to win the gold will make folks return in historical past and see that this was the staff that truly gained the first-ever gold in cricket within the Asian Video games. It is an incredible feeling,” she added.
Rodrigues stated it was a proud feeling so as to add to India’s medals tally on the Video games.
“It’s a very totally different expertise, sporting this India jersey is a (matter of) totally different satisfaction. Additionally, we will add a medal to India as a sporting nation,” she stated.
Speaking in regards to the gold medal contest on a difficult floor, Rodrigues stated the competition had its personal challenges.
“It wasn’t straightforward as Sri Lanka gave us battle. Their bowlers bowled spot-on, and we actually needed to apply ourselves. Very pleased with the women, and the way in which we performed immediately shows our character,” she stated.
“It was an vital partnership between me and Smriti (Mandhana) as a result of the Sri Lankan bowlers had been on the prime of their sport.
“We’re glad the way in which we performed and constructed the partnership, together with the opposite ladies coming in and chipping in,” stated Rodrigues (42), who added 73 runs with Mandhana (46) for the second wicket in a low-scoring contest.
Rodrigues stated the staff needed to adapt to totally different surfaces for each match. “We truthfully didn’t know what to anticipate after we came to visit right here,” she stated.
“We knew that we needed to be prepared for any situation, and in all three matches we had totally different sorts of wickets that we needed to adapt to, which is the very best a part of our staff’s efficiency,” Rodrigues added.
“It has been an incredible expertise generally, the way in which everybody has welcomed us in China.”
“It is not been straightforward for the reason that communication has been an issue. However, they (the organisers) went out of their technique to make us really feel comfy and make our keep straightforward,” she added.
India coach and former worldwide Hrishikesh Kanitkar too was delighted to have added to the nation’s tally.
“We rank this gold proper up there as a result of it provides to the nation’s tally of gold medals. So, I feel it’s totally, essential that we straight contribute to the nation,” he stated.
Kanitkar termed India’s whole as a ‘first rate rating’ owing to situations.
“We had been aiming for 120, however reaching it a few overs early would have certainly allowed us to go for 140… the character of the soil and situations matter. However, we ended up with an honest rating,” he stated.
“The women responded very nicely. We’re all the time open to bettering, and regardless that we now have gained the gold, we’re open to bettering extra.”
Regardless of being outplayed, the Indian coach credited Sri Lanka for his or her show. “They (Lankans) bowled rather well, however I really feel our batters batted nicely within the beginning and the center phases. However, credit score to them (Lanka) for a way they performed this sport.”
Kanitkar additionally praised Rodrigues for her intent throughout the sport. “(It was an) final knock. Not a lot of big-hitting, however utilizing the thoughts, and I feel that is very mature,” he stated.
(With inputs from PTI)
