All-rounder Deepti Sharma was promoted to the top-order in the first two matches of the ongoing one-day series against West Indies in Vijayawada and the youngster responded with responsible contributions. While opening the innings, she made 16 off 40 balls in the first ODI, and scored 32 off 63 balls during the 63-run partnership for the third wicket after coming to the crease at No 3 in the 2nd ODI. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana helped lay the foundation for the 154-run chase in the second game. Speaking about her innings, Deepti said, “We had lost the first wicket early (23 for one) so the only thought in mind was to give the team a good partnership (to build on) and that is what we did. We wanted to finish the match, we couldn’t do that. But it was important at that juncture that we stay at the wicket and we were able to do that.” While Mandhana went after the bowling, Deepti held up one end stoically. Speaking about her role in the partnership she said, “I usually focus on rotating the strike while playing and that is what I was thinking today as well and that’s how we played, so I felt good.” Asked about being given the No 3 position, she said, “It gave me confidence that I was asked to bat one down. I took the responsibility and played according to the situation. I will take this confidence into the next match as well.” Promoted to the top-order again, “I am feeling good (about batting in the top-order). It is giving me a different kind of confidence altogether. I enjoyed batting today and as well as in the first match so I am very happy. “I open for my state side since I am a batting all-rounder,” she mentioned. Asked about the advise she received from her coach and captain when she was assigned the role, Deepti said, “I was only told that I would be opening the innings so then I worked accordingly and I thought I have to give my best now that I am getting an opportunity to open the innings. And also, work on building partnerships so whoever is there with me at the other end, my focus is on building a partnership. If you stay at the wicket the runs will come.” Before making the vital contribution with the bat, Deepti had finished as the most economical bowler having conceded only 19 runs in 10 overs. “I was focussed on bowling dot balls and that’s what I did today,” she said while speaking about her bowling. “I didn’t get wickets, but that’s okay. I contained the batters and that matters,” she elaborated. “If other bowlers are getting wickets from the other end, then my job is to bowl dot balls more. At that time, I can use my variations and I did that today as well. I also made good use of the crease and benefitted from that,” she added. “I normally give flight and when the ball turns in from the fourth stump, it is extremely effective,” she said while further discussing her stock ball. “Having played domestic games helped a lot and since we did well there that helped the confidence coming in,” she mentioned while speaking about the preparation coming into the series. “Having won the series, the team will now carry the confidence into the next match,” Deepti said while concluding.