This is the best series win for us so far: Virat Kohli

It was a sensational performance by Team India in the 4^th and the final Test against Australia in Dharamsala which helped them win the match comprehensively by 8 wickets and take the series by a 2-1 margin. The series victory will be a satisfying one for the home team after losing the opening Test by a big margin. India required 87 runs to win on the 4^th day and they sealed the deal with utmost comfort.

KL Rahul looked in ominous touch just like the way he has looked in the series. The Karnataka lad played some delightful shots en route to his unbeaten 48. Captain Ajinkya Rahane played some incredible shots against Pat Cummins and took him by the scruff of the neck. The stylish batsman smashed the tall fast bowler for consecutive sixes just to show glimpses of his abilities in the shortest format.

It was a great moment for the whole squad who has given their all to register 4 series victories on a trot. When their backs were pushed to the wall, all the members of the team put their hands up and delivered at crunch moments. It has been a through and through team performance from India and it will interesting to see whether the No.1 team continues to dominate even in overseas condition. With the current squad it should be a reality in the coming years.

Ravindra Jadeja was the star performer for India with both bat and the ball in the final match and the No.1 Test bowler in the world was adjudged both the Man of the Match of the Man of the Series. Both Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane spoke at length after the victory, so did Man of the series Ravindra Jadeja.

Here are the post-match quotes of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja

Virat Kohli: Unbelievable feeling. I think this is the best series win for us so far. The last time when we beat England I thought that was an intense series, but this time around the fight the Australian team gave on their part was really amazing. But our guys bounced back and showed the true character of the side. You want to be in the thick of things, but sitting from the outside, it was great to see the way the guys handled situations and the way Ajinkya captained.

The responsibility shown by all the guys in the team was really pleasing to see, especially from the outside. The changes made to our fitness regime has paid off I guess. That’s been the key difference for us. In the past we might have given away the game in a few sessions, but the ability to keep bouncing back, starting from No. 7 and finishing as No. 1 at the end of the season is an outstanding achievement, especially very proud as a captain.

There has not been one or two individuals that have stood out. In the bowling department there have been five, six guys. In the batting department there have been guys who have scored throughout the season and the responsibility has been shared – that’s the only way you can become the No. 1 team in the world. It’s been a team season. Lot of credit has to go to all the boys on a daily basis to improve our skills. The kind of fitness they (fast bowlers) have showed and the desire (to win) has been the main difference.

It started from the South African series, right till the end of this series, I think their contribution has been game-changing. Of course the spinners have dominated, but the role the fast bowlers played was brilliant to watch. A lot of credit to all these victories goes to them as well. It is still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 percent on the field (talking about his shoulder injury). These things happen in your career, just got to take it in my stride and move forward.”

Ajinkya Rahane: Really enjoyed the game. Credit to all the boys, not only in this series, but throughout the season. Everyone stepped up when needed. Really happy as a captain, unfortunately Virat got injured for this game. We decided during lunch time on Day 1 that if we stop the runs and take one wicket – only Smith and Warner were scoring the runs – we can capitalise from there.

I thought the way Kuldeep bowled after lunch was great. He was bowling really well in the nets and he has the X-factor in him. We all had the confidence in Kuldeep. I felt the bowlers from the other end also maintained the pressure. The kind of bowling Umesh, Bhuvi, Ishant, Shami did throughout the season was good to see from the slip and gully region.

I was just thinking about the Sri Lanka game when we lost chasing 130 (sic) odd runs. We were a bit in a shell. So I just wanted to play positively and take the momentum forward here. Rahul from the other end played really well and I just had to take my chances. Credit to Australia for playing some good cricket and fighting hard. I felt this was the best wicket (of the series). It had good pace, bounce and the ball was turning as well from Day 1. If you apply well, it is still good to bat on and very easy to score runs because of the bounce.

Ravindra Jadeja:  I am feeling good; being the No. 1 Test bowler and did well in the home season. Feeling very happy being part of this champion team. When I was batting, I thought I would take my time and play. Matthew Wade kept talking and that kept motivating me, I had to answer with the runs. I had to stay till the end. That is what the captain and coach told me, to believe in myself. Overall as a player it is important to develop. People were telling I was not a Test player and this an answer to them. I just try to improve day-by-day and be a better player.

From one end he (Ashwin) picks wickets and I do the same from the other, it keeps the pressure on the batsman. It is also a different variation. No team likes to play spinners. We discuss a lot about how to bowl and plan accordingly. We need to do this outside India as well and keep this winning momentum going. The confidence is developing and I will try my best to get a hundred and do the double-bat sword celebration. It was a good wicket for the fast bowlers because of the bounce and seam movement. The fast bowlers would have enjoyed it. When we lost the toss and bowled, there was not much help for the spinners. But we kept it tight and allowed the fast bowlers to keep the pressure on.