Captain Virat Kohli wants to build on good beginning

And even though the pitch debate dominated India’s victories in Mohali and Nagpur – first and third Tests respectively – their 337-run win in Delhi on the day asserted their status as a unit that can keep the fight going under all conditions.

Said Kohli, “I feel that it all began in Australia for us, the way we played there. We showed character even in defeats. Test cricket has been one format where we all have wanted to do well. I will like to give credit to the team to show character and bounce back in the last two series like the way we have. We were always on the opposition’s heels that we could cash in on any stage. That gave us a lot of belief as a Test team. We can play well around the world and want to be better.”

Reckoning that this win will have a huge impact on the young team, the 27-year-old said it was a big positive. “It has a positive and huge impact on the mindset of players, because as I said, it all started in Australia and gave us the confidence that we can beat any side in the world. That sort of mindset is important to win,” he said.

The 27-year-old, who led the team at home for the first time, said he enjoyed taking up responsibility and also praised Ajinkya Rahane for his twin hundreds. “What I like about him (Rahane) is that his intent is really good and is backed by solid technique, which is a rare balance. To find that balance early in the career is commendable and he played some very important knocks.”