Lavishing praise on Gurkeerat Singh for his match-winning heroics against Australia A in the tri-series final, India A captain Unmukt Chand said that the middle-order batsman batted well at a crucial time to bail the hosts out of trouble.
Chasing 227 for a win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India A were in trouble at 142 for six before Gurkeerat (87 not out) and Sanju Samson (24 not out) stitched an unbeaten 87-run stand to pull off a four-wicket win. Unmukt admitted the teams follies but praised the batting duo.
"Of course we did not bat well really in the middle overs of the ten overs. Mayank got run out, it was unfortunate. Then we kept losing wickets and the dressing room atmosphere was tense. We needed one partnership and we were not chasing a big total.
"We knew that it is important to have a good partnership. That is what we emphasised on and Gurkeerat did a great job. He along with Sanju did well and the way they kept on playing was important for us. It was important not to lose wicket during that phase. The wicket was not offering much. We knew
if we stay over there for 40 overs or so, we will win the match. Hats off to Gurkeerat for the way he batted," Unmukt said in the post-match presser.
Man of the Match Gurkeerat was happy to have seized the opportunity at the right moment in making his presence felt.
"You take every game as a new opportunity. I just took it as an opportunity and I am thankful that I played well todayand helped India win the title. We just decided not to look on the scoreboard and play on the merit of the ball.
"We did not do anything extra. We just wanted to rotate the strike, may be three or four runs an over.
