India captain Virat Kohli has described their 337-run win at Ferozshah Kotla here as the most special of the four-Test series against South Africa, saying his team had to work harder to achieve the result as compared to the previous matches.
India won the four-Test series 3-0, with the second match at Bangalore being washed out. While India won the first and third matches within three days, the last Test at Kotla went on till the fifth day with South Africa putting up a massive resistance for the major part of the match.
"All the wins were special, but this one is more because we had to work harder. The South African batsmen put their heads down and played for the draw, always hard work. I just asked the bowlers to put their hands up and that's what happened after tea," said Kohli at the post-match presentation ceremony.
'This is what Test cricket is all about...patience'
"We were surprised with how they were defending, their approach. The bowlers did not lose patience. They can be really proud of their effort today.
"This is what Test cricket is all about ... patience. This really depends on how much energy the team is showing, standing on my own I can't do anything, all 11 guys deserve the credit," he added.
Kohli said it was important to back the bowlers.
"We have bowlers who have the pace, it is important to back them on any surface. It is important to give them confidence at the right times and they have to respond as well and that they did," he insisted.
'I just want to thank the crowd'
Kohli thanked the fans for coming out in huge numbers and supporting the team on all five days.
"I just want to thank the crowd, it has been tremendous playing in front of a packed stadium. Thank you for all your support," said Kohli.
Twin centurion of this Test, Ajinkya Rahane bagged the Man of the match award for his efforts and said he backed himself to do well.
"I was focussed and determined. I backed myself to take my chances. I always like to improve my game, my cricketing skills. I believe in the process because I know the results will follow automatically," he said.
