Virat Kohli on India’s Test domination: It all started with Sourav Ganguly’s team
'Test cricket is a mental battle. We've learnt to stand up — it all started from Dada's (Sourav Ganguly) team. The belief is key and to be honest we've worked hard, and reaping the rewards of it,' Virat Kohli said after India won the pink ball Test in Kolkata
FollowKolkata: India captain Virat Kohli has credited Sourav Ganguly’s side for changing Indian cricket and showing the current Test team how to win mental battles in the five-day format.
India completed a dominating 2-0 series win against Bangladesh after recording an innings and 46 runs victory over the visitors in their maiden pink ball Test.
Also read: 10 records set by Team India, Virat Kohli in pink ball Test
The hosts had won the first Test by an innings and 130 runs in Indore.
With the win, India cruised to their 12th consecutive Test series victory at home and also consolidating their position at the top of the World Test Championship table.
Also read: India thrash Bangladesh in Kolkata
“Test cricket is a mental battle. We've learnt to stand up — it all started from Dada's (Sourav Ganguly) team. The belief is key and to be honest we've worked hard, and reaping the rewards of it," Kohli said at the presentation ceremony, when asked about his side's dominating run in the longest format.
India's fast bowling unit has been in tremendous form. In the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah, the pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav grabbed all Bangladesh wickets on offer in the second Test.
Skipper Kohli said the success of the pace unit at home, which has traditionally been a breeding ground for spinners, is because now the speedsters are armed with the belief that they can do well in any condition.
"It's similar to when we play in other countries, it's about the belief. The way these guys are bowling they can pick wickets anywhere. Even the spinners, it's about believing they can pick wickets overseas. We're in the right frame of mind to capitalise on the opportunities and we're enjoying it."
Kohli also applauded the fans for packed house on all three days of the match.
"Amazing, the numbers have only gotten better. We didn't think so many people will turn up today as we know the game will end earlier. This crowd sets the right kind of example. To reiterate the point of Test centres, this is a great example."
Man of the series Ishant, who ended with 12 wickets in the two Tests, said he faced difficulties with the pink ball initially. The 31-year-old ended with the figures of 5/22 and 4/56 in the day/night Test.
“Pitching the ball up is something we developed during the last game. Me and bowling coach discussed it. It wasn't a fluke. Pink ball is a little difficult, it didn't swing at the start and we need to adjust to the conditions.”
(With inputs from PTI)
