We have played really good cricket for the last one and a half year: Virat Kohli

The Indian team put up an all-round performance at Eden Gardens, the top order did the bulk of the scoring in the first inning, with contribution from Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin towards the end.

Coming out to bowl, the Indians realized that the conditions and the pitch assisted seamers and it saw Buvneshwar Kumar pick up a five-wicket haul and India wrapped the Black Caps up, holding a 112-run lead in hand.

Coming out to bat again in the second inning Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma played quality knocks and Saha again stuck in and got his second half-century of the game. Lower order contributions helped the team get a huge lead and it was never going to be easy for the Kiwis. They were bowled out on the 4th day with all the four Indian bowlers sharing the wickets.

It was a team performance as most of the XI players contributed and they outplayed New Zealand to secure a 178 runs victory in the Kolkata Test and with that rise to the top of the Test rankings. In the post-match presentation skipper, Kohli said, “Lovely Test match. Was a brilliant Test wicket apart from the uneven bounce here and there. It’s a wanted venue in India. Bowlers did well.”

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He praised the Indian wicketkeeper’s effort, he had key contribution in both the innings with the bat and then was good behind the wicket as well on a pitch that turned, bounced and stayed low. “Saha did well and Shami and Bhuvi contributing. We expect fight from a side like New Zealand. Saha is the best keeper in the country and he is doing a great job: is wonderful behind the stumps and can bat. He backs himself and can bat with the tail. Backs himself to play his shots. That hundred in the West Indies really helped his confidence and he has been a revelation for the side.” Kohli said.

Talking about their batting show he added, “In the 1st innings, we threw it away with loose shots. In the second, NZ bowlers were good and put us under pressure. Rohit showed good intent, played positive cricket and we all know about his love affair with Eden Gardens. I was expecting him to score at least once in both the innings. I think in the last session when we wanted early wickets, the crowd helped us pick them. That made a massive difference to Shami and it put extra pressure on the new batsmen. So the extra intent to get the crowd going there.”

With that win the Indian team is at the top of the Test rankings and if they remain unbeaten in this series will remain there for some time. “To keep playing consistent cricket is our objective, and if we do that, with a long home season, we have a control of the No. 1 ranking. We have played really good cricket for the last one and a half years. We want to keep doing that and show character when needed.” The Indian Test captain said.

The stand-in New Zealand skipper didn’t have a great game as they also conceded the series but Ross Taylor wanted to look at the positives they can take into the last Test where they will be playing for pride. “Very impressive the bowlers stuck under tough circumstances. India did well. Saha got crucial runs and got them over the line. To be honest, I expected the pitch to play different. But guess, with time, it will get better and better. Anytime you have a 112-run deficit, you are under pressure. The stand between Rohit and Saha took it away and it was difficult to get back. Hopefully, we can get back in Indore. We will play free and fearless cricket. Was good to see Williamson at the ground today but still looked a bit pale. Will be good to have our skipper back.” Taylor said.

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For scoring half centuries in both innings of the match and his wicket keeping local boy Wriddhiman Saha was awarded the Man of the Match. He said: “I am very happy about winning the series and getting my first MoM award. Nothing much. When I was out there, I was thinking about defending the good balls and hitting the bad balls. Kolkata’s media has always supported me, and so have the players. I didn’t score in the Kanpur match and so took my time in the beginning. I did my job behind the stump; nothing much. I watch the ball upto the last minute and use soft hands.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brought back in the side for this game and enjoyed bowling on this wicket with the new and the old ball. After the match talking to the commentators Bhuvneshwar said: “In India, we generally don’t get these kind of wickets (with grass cover) and I was just trying to make the most of it. It’s always good to be in the mix, you always work hard to play the match and when you contribute, it’s always special.”

He had troubles with his ankle but looks to have recovered pretty well. “Thanks to the physio and trainer, they really worked hard and pushed me to work hard. When you are out of the team or not fit, you get matured in terms what you need to do to come back into the game and improve your game.

Talking about his bowling partnership with Mohammad Shami, Bhuvi said, “I always enjoy bowling with Shami, especially when the ball reverses. He’s a a great character. He’s the most lazy in the team, but when he’s on the field he gives 100 percent. It’s a pleasure to know that the team is ranked No. 1. And to contribute to the win is great. It’s a sweet victory for us.”