Virat Kohli and Co dominated New Zealand in the second and final Test in Mumbai to win the two-match series 1-0. Even though India put up a decent total in the first innings, it was overshadowed by Ajaz Patel’s history-making 10-for. In reply, India wrapped up New Zealand for 62 in their first innings and subsequently bowled them out for 167 in the second innings to record a 372-run victory. This was India’s biggest-ever margin win on home soil.

Commenting on India’s match after the drawn Kanpur Test, Virat Kohli, during the post-match presentation, said: “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 their best, but the Kiwi batsmen stuck it out really well in Kanpur. 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,” Kohli added.

“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,” the Indian test team captain said.

India are due to play a series in South Africa later this month. Initially, the series was to begin December 16, but now will be played from December 26, due to the Omicron outbreak.

Talking about the challenge, the right-handed batter said: “South Africa is a good challenge. 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. Hopefully, we can play in South Africa the way we know we can play, and win the series,” he added.