When it comes to flawless starts, Rohit Sharma's transition to full-time leadership has been nothing short of spectacular. 

The Men in Blue are yet to lose a game since Rohit was selected as India's regular captain in T20I and ODI cricket. 

A 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand in a T20I series in November was followed by a similar outcome in an ODI series against the West Indies earlier this month, and now, India is on the verge of another whitewash against the Caribbean cricketers in a T20I series.

In the second T20I at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Friday, Rohit's men kept their composure to defeat the West Indies by eight runs. Rishabh Pant was the Man of the Match and was welcomed by Harsha Bhogle in the middle of the ground to accept his award. 

When Pant's name was revealed for the trophy, though, Rohit was amused and made a joke about the young wicket-keeper batter.  

When cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle announced Pant as the winner, Rohit said sarcastically, “Rishabh Pant Is The Man of the Match?” 

Bhogle, in his friendly voice and with a smile on his face replied by saying, “Come on Rohit, he batted very well though.” 

pic.twitter.com/QHnaAzZPRC

The Sharma-Pant duo is no stranger to banters within themselves.  

During the ODI series that preceded the T20Is, Pant could be seen scaring his skipper while warming up ahead of the game. The 24-year old ran towards Sharma while raising his legs and the latter finched as if he was about the get injured. Upon realising what was being done to him, Sharma turned the tables and showed Pant who the boss was.

Pant batted brilliantly in the second T20I, scoring 52 runs off only 28 deliveries. He had seven fours and one six in his knock. He shared a 76-run stand with Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 33 runs in only 18 balls. Iyer struck four maximums and four boundaries. 

Earlier, despite wickets tumbling around him, ex-Indian skipper Virat Kohli struck 52 runs in 41 balls to give the squad a strong platform.

On Sunday, the sides will meet in Kolkata for the third and final T20I. They earned an easy six-wicket victory in the opening game of the series. Following the West Indies series, India will play Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I and two-Test series beginning on February 24.

View the full article