India vs England 2020-21, 4th Test: Virat Kohli backs bench strength to come handy during transition

India outplayed England in the four-Test series to retain the Anthony de Mello Trophy. The players across departments contributed their part to help Vat Kohli and co to come up with the dominating performance. The side has been hailed for its talented bench strength of late.

<p>Team India was at the top of its game as it ominated England 3-1 in the four-Test series to retain the Anthony de Mello Trophy. With this win, India has now set a date with New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final.</p>

Team India was at the top of its game as it ominated England 3-1 in the four-Test series to retain the Anthony de Mello Trophy. With this win, India has now set a date with New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final.

<p>Numerous Indian players entertained the fans with their performance, including some young ones. It has impressed all, including skipper Virat Kohli, who has backed the side's bench strength to come in handy shortly, especially during the transition phase.</p>

Numerous Indian players entertained the fans with their performance, including some young ones. It has impressed all, including skipper Virat Kohli, who has backed the side's bench strength to come in handy shortly, especially during the transition phase.

<p>"Our bench strength is extremely strong and that's a good sign for Indian cricket. When the transition happens, the standards won't fall and Rishabh and Washy's partnership showed exactly that in a crucial juncture of the match. The comeback in Chennai pleased me the most. The first game was an aberration and England outplayed us. The toss played a crucial role and the bowlers weren't in the contest. We bowled and fielded with more intensity and so, the comeback was very heartening," Kohli had said during the post-match presentation, reports <em>PTI</em>.</p>

"Our bench strength is extremely strong and that's a good sign for Indian cricket. When the transition happens, the standards won't fall and Rishabh and Washy's partnership showed exactly that in a crucial juncture of the match. The comeback in Chennai pleased me the most. The first game was an aberration and England outplayed us. The toss played a crucial role and the bowlers weren't in the contest. We bowled and fielded with more intensity and so, the comeback was very heartening," Kohli had said during the post-match presentation, reports PTI.

<p>"We had to pick up our body language after the first game in Chennai. Every team in international cricket is a quality side and we need to work hard to beat them, even at home. Keeping that intensity going is most important and is the hallmark of our team," added Kohli.</p>

"We had to pick up our body language after the first game in Chennai. Every team in international cricket is a quality side and we need to work hard to beat them, even at home. Keeping that intensity going is most important and is the hallmark of our team," added Kohli.

<p>Besides, Kohli also applauded the prolific knock of 161 by senior opener Rohit Sharma, alongside lauding veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, whose 32 wickets in the series completely changed the complexion. "Rohit's knock was the defining moment in Chennai, and Ashwin has been our most bankable player over the years, so they have been our best players this series. Now, we can accept that the World Test Championship final, which was a distraction in New Zealand in 2020, but now it's a reality," Kohli concluded.</p>

Besides, Kohli also applauded the prolific knock of 161 by senior opener Rohit Sharma, alongside lauding veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, whose 32 wickets in the series completely changed the complexion. "Rohit's knock was the defining moment in Chennai, and Ashwin has been our most bankable player over the years, so they have been our best players this series. Now, we can accept that the World Test Championship final, which was a distraction in New Zealand in 2020, but now it's a reality," Kohli concluded.