Virat Kohli was a happy man as India registered their 14th consecutive Test series win at home by beating NZ

Virat Kohli was ecstatic after India defeated New Zealand by 372 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday to win their 14th successive Test series at home (December 6).

After missing the first Test in Kanpur, India’s captain returned to lead the team in Mumbai. The hosts came hard at the Kiwis after losing out on a win in the first Test, winning the game with a day to spare.

Despite strong bowling efforts by the Indian side in the first Test, Kohli claimed the Kiwi hitters went above and above to snare a draw.

“To come back with a win again, it’s a great feeling and a clinical performance. You want individuals to step up. You want people to take action. The first test went well, and it was a clinical showing. We had a good discussion about the performance, and the opponents had a solid draw. The spinners gave it their best, but the Kiwi batsmen held their own in Kanpur.” Kohli said

“There was more bounce here, and the fast bowlers had some help, so we had a greater chance of winning the Test match on the last day.” Indian skipper added

The Indian spinners continued their impressive work in Mumbai, dismissing New Zealand for just 62 runs in the first innings. They then bowled the Kiwis out for 167 runs, giving the hosts their largest run total victory.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Series Player of the Year Ravichandran Ashwin took an eight-wicket haul, while Jayant Yadav and Axar Patel each took five and three wickets. New Zealand was continually put under duress by the triumvirate, from which they never fully recovered.

Virat Kohli stated that the purpose of the new management team led by Rahul Dravid is to move Indian cricket ahead.

“Even with the new management, the mindset to move Indian cricket ahead is the same. It’s important to maintain Indian cricket’s high standards and ensure that it continues to improve.” he said

This was India’s first Test series victory under new head coach Rahul Dravid, who took over before the series began.

After a few days off, Team India will travel to South Africa for a bilateral series that will include three Tests and as many one-day internationals. Kohli stated that facing South Africa in their own backyard will be a very different experience.

“South Africa is a good challenge. Last time, we built it up in England and South Africa, and Australia was the culmination of that work. South Africa is a difficult task and a win that we as a team desire to attain,” Kohli concluded.

In the wake of a new COVID version that has seized the African country, India will begin their campaign on December 26 in Centurion, rather than December 17.

Read more: India vs New Zealand: Tom Latham says “It was an incredible experience to be a part of this test”

Visit also: Sanjay Bangar lauds Mohammed Siraj’s bowling in the 2nd Test against NZ

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