Wicket was tricky, learned a lot, says Rohit

Thiruvananthapuram: Skipper Rohit Sharma said the Indian team got to "learn a lot" while chasing a meagre target on a "tricky track" in the series-opener against South Africa.

Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 50 off 33 balls got India over the line despite KL Rahul's struggles on a track where South Africa were left tottering at 9/5 at the start of the game on Wednesday.

"The wicket was tricky. You learn a lot playing such a game. You understand what the team needs to do in tough conditions. It was nice to play a game like that," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"We knew the bowlers will get something seeing grass on the pitch, but we didn't expected help for the full 20 overs."

Rohit admitted that the pitch was a bit damp and that kept South Africa in the hunt despite a paltry score of 106/8.

"It was damp. Both teams were in the contest and the team that played better won the game. We started well, got five wickets in quick time and that was the turning point. It was a perfect showcase of how to bowl when there is help for the pacers."

While Rahul scored a half-century (51) off 56 balls, Rohit said conditions need to be respected.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Got to respect the conditions. Lost two wickets and that partnership between KL and Surya got us home."

KL Rahul, whose scratchy batting got papered over by Suryakumar Yadav's regal half-century, said that his partner's attacking intent allowed him to take his own time.

It was because of Rahul's struggles that India scored only 17 runs in six Powerplay overs but Surya's imperious form didn't allow South Africa to make a comeback.

"Definitely, right up there (as the toughest pitch)," Rahul said when asked if it was the toughest strip he has batted on in T20Is.

"We have played in some difficult conditions like this but I haven't got runs. So this was hard work." He was all praise for Surya's approach.

"It was unbelievable for Surya to come out there and play those shots. We have seen how balls were flying, nipping around, two-paced and everything that can be hard for a batter that was the wicket today.

"And for Surya to come with that approach after the first ball that hit him, he just woke up and wanted to play his shots, be aggressive and take on the bowling. That helped me take my time and play one end."