Mumbai, March 4: While it has largely been a team effort that saw India win the triangular series Down Under, there were a few obvious positives on the individual front as well.

Right from Ishant Sharma’s meteoric rise through the last couple of months, Gautam Gambhir’s consistent run with the bat, and Rohit Sharma undoubted potential.

Sharma spoke to The Indian Express from Australia after India’s remarkable triumph Down Under.

Excerpts...

• You’ve now been part of India’s two big victories in recent times — the Twenty20 championship and now the triangular in Australia...

It feels great. Both these victories are big achievements for Indian cricket, especially since they were achieved with young squads. Personally, I am delighted to have been a part of it.

• There was some criticism when you were picked for this trip...

I came into the team riding on a lot of negative statements. It was a poor Ranji season for me and everybody was talking about it. At that time, I was desperate to prove a point, which is why this trip has been really special. When I came here, I was confident of doing well.

• Is there a feeling in the camp that the team has proved every one wrong?

Yes, definitely we have. When the team was picked for Australia, people asked how a team of youngsters could be expected to go there and beat the world champions.

It was a really big challenge for all of us, but we have done it. When Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were dropped, there was enough talk about how we were lacking in experience. But eventually, it did not matter much.

• What can you recall of your 2006 tour to Australia for the Top End series and what has changed now?

I remember when I came here to play the last time I didn’t have enough money! I couldn’t shop... I didn’t have a single penny to spend. In fact, I even borrowed money from my teammates that time.

Now, fortunately, things have changed. That sums up a bit of the difference I’ve been experiencing.