India registered a comprehensive win against West Indies in the first T20I by 6 wickets at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. Debutant Ravi Bishnoi starred for India with a miserly spell, wherein he finished with 2/17 in India’s win.
India vs West Indies
The leg-spinner helped India restrict West Indies to 157/7 in 20 overs, which Indian batters chased down in 18.5 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 40 off just 19 balls and Suryakumar Yadav (34) and Venkatesh Iyer (24) took the side home by 6 wickets and a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Bishnoi was adjudged the player of the match for his spell wherein he dismissed Roston Chase (4 runs) and Rovman Powell (2 runs). After the match, Bishnoi spoke to his teammate Yuzvendra Chahal and revealed how the head coach Rahul Dravid made him feel welcome in the Indian dressing room.
“From nerve & verve to a dream #TeamIndia debut! In his maiden Chahal TV appearance, @bishnoi0056 shares his emotions with @yuzi_chahal after India’s win in the st @Paytm #INDvWI T20I,” BCCI captioned the video.
“Everyone has a dream of playing for India. I was excited and nervous when I came to the practice as there are so many seniors but I felt really good when Rahul (Dravid) sir welcomed me. I enjoyed myself with my seniors during the practice sessions. I have to learn a lot and I will strive to do my best for the team,” Bishnoi said in the episode of ‘Chahal TV’.
India will now face West Indies in the 2nd T20I match on February 18 (Friday) at Eden Gardens, where Rohit Sharma and co. will aim to seal the series.