“We want to set high standards” – Rohit Sharma demands better fielding from the Indian team

India started their white-ball campaign against England on a winning note after beating the hosts in the 1st T20I by 50 runs at Southampton.

The visitors played the match with an attacking mindset. Aggressiveness was visible in all the departments. Despite England bowlers taking wickets at regular intervals, Indian batters weren't afraid of taking risks and played adventurous shots. 

Hardik Pandya scored his maiden T20I fifty and helped India put 198 runs on board. Pandya was just as helpful with the ball as he bowled at a good pace, in the right areas and got four wickets. Debutant Arshdeep Singh and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returned with two scalps each to dent England's pursuit.

"The way he's prepared himself from the IPL till now, it's been wonderful. What I was impressed with was his bowling. He's been wanting to do well for a while and he used his variations well. Not to forget how he batted as well," said the Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma on Hardik Pandya's performance.

However, Rohit wasn't satisfied with the team as a fielding unit. In the match, overall, six catches were dropped by the Indian side. Luckily, it didn't cost them, as the Indian bowlers constantly created opportunities.

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Rohit added, "We were sloppy in the field - we should have taken those three catches. We want to set high standards; it's something we aren't proud of, but we'll look to work on it and come back stronger."

Talking about team India's attacking approach in the powerplay, Rohit highlighted that the team will continue to play with a similar mindset. Sometimes it will work, and sometimes it won't. However, the players will be backed and asked to follow the same approach in the upcoming games. 

Carrying the momentum from the first match, India will look to seal the three-match T20I series at Edgbaston on Saturday.