India maintained their formidable home record by crushing South Africa by an innings and 137 runs in the second test at Pune to clinch the three-test series with a match to spare on Sunday.
India maintained their formidable home record by crushing South Africa by an innings and 137 runs in the second test at Pune to clinch the three-test series with a match to spare on Sunday.
It was the fourth straight win in as many tests in the World Test Championship for Virat Kohli's men, who also won 2-0 in West Indies, and India have now won 11 consecutive test series at home.
The Indian skipper was named as the player of the match and while talking to Sanjay Manjrekar in the post-match prize distribution ceremony, he spoke about the hunger the Indian players have to win.
"The good thing is when we started, we were at number 7. The only way was up. We laid down a few things and are all lucky to have this group of players. In the last 3-4 years, it's amazing to see that hunger for all the guys to keep improving.
Kohli spoke about players like Wriddhiman Saha and R Ashwin who made a comeback and made sure they give their best.
"Saha was back to his best, coming into Vizag you could see he was nervous. Ashwin has stepped up beautifully and it's guys willing to work hard on those one or two per cent things for the team. It's been nice and looking at the larger picture - the Test Championship, every game has even more value.
"We are not going to take the foot off the gas in the third Test. We are looking for a result and hopefully make it 3-0. No-one's going to relax at any stage, that is a guarantee," he added.
When asked about why he did not do much of a celebration after scoring the double century, the winning captain said, "It's about getting the responsibility back as a captain (on scoring the double-hundred). The mindset is always to help the team and in that process, the big scores come. I think the moment you start thinking about the team, all the pressure goes away.
"I am at a stage in my career where I am happy to be playing the way I am and contributing for my team. Putting the team in a commanding position is the only goal. It's been natural progress to have a calm mindset over the years. I have a good understanding of that and hence the muted celebration. You have to look forward to playing against the new ball," he said.
Kohli also said how he enjoys batting with Ajinkya Rahane. "I enjoy batting with Jinks (Rahane), he has a great mindset. We communicate and run well between the wickets. We are probably the most successful Indian pair and the only reason is both of us play for the team. We take a lot of pride in that. Having him at the other end, keeps you focused".
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