Virat Kohli again backed Ambati Rayudu for the critical number four slot after the "intelligent" batsman reposed his skipper's faith with an 81-ball century in the fourth ODI against the West Indies here on Monday.
India recorded one of their biggest wins in the 50-over cricket with a 224-demolition of the visitors, following blazing hundreds from Rayudu and Rohit Sharma.
"Rayudu has taken his chance with both hands. We need to back him till the 2019 World Cup. He reads the game well, so we are happy that someone intelligent is batting at number four," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
India were ruthless, barely two days after the shock defeat in Pune, to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
"Yes, (we) ticked all the boxes. We were clinical in all departments. We got into rhythm. We are known to bounce back and it was another example. Khaleel (Ahmed) was good with pitching it in the right areas, making the ball talk, and swinging it both ways," the skipper said.
This was Rohit's 21st ODI century and seventh 150-plus score, having notched up one in the series opener.
"I was very clinical right from the start. After losing two wickets, I had mentioned this earlier about having a big partnership and that was a game-changing partnership," said Rohit, who as declared as the man-of-the-match.
He added: "Once you are set, you got to make it count and that is what me and Rayudu did in the middle. We carried for as long as possible.
"Heartening to see the way we bowled. It was a long time coming, this kind of performance from the bowlers."
The Mumbaikar also picked up three catches in what was an all-round display by him and his team.
"I've been doing some slip-catching for a while. I can hear Virat laugh there.
"Especially if you're fielding in the slips for Kuldeep, it isn't easy to read his hands. When you play him in the 'nets', it is easy to understand when he is going to bowl that googly and I have to be ready for it," Rohit said.
