While India skipper Virat Kohli is pleased with the Test series win against New Zealand at home, his eyes are firmly set on clinching the forthcoming Test series on the tour of South Africa.
Team India on Monday (December 6) bundled out the Kiwis for 167 to secure the Mumbai Test by 372 runs. As a result, they bagged the two-Test series 1-0.
"To come back with a win again, it's a great feeling and a clinical performance. You want individuals to step up. The first Test was good, and it was a clinical performance here. We discussed the performance and the opposition played out a good draw. The bowlers tried all they good, but the Kiwi batsmen stuck it out really well in Kanpur," Kohli told host broadcaster Star Sports at the post-match presentation.
India’s next assignment is now on the tour of South Africa, where they will play three Tests followed by three ODIs, starting December 26.
"Here there was more bounce and the fast bowlers got assistance as well, so it gave us a better chance to win the Test match on the final day. The mindset is the same to take Indian cricket forward, even with the new management. It's important to keep the standards of Indian cricket and make sure it's always growing. South Africa is a good challenge," said Kohli.
"We built it up in England and South Africa last time, and Australia was an accumulation of all that experience. South Africa is a tough challenge and a win that we want to achieve as a team," he added.
Opener Mayank Agarwal starred with the bat for India in both innings of the Mumbai Test, scoring 150 and 62 and he was awarded Player-of-the-Match. On the other hand, veteran off-spinner R Ashwin earned the Player-of-the-Series honour for his 14 wickets in two Tests.
(With ANI inputs)
