Kohli lauds contributions from entire team

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India captain Virat Kohli was eager to spread the love after his side’s three-nil series win over New Zealand, saying that everyone in the side contributed to the win.

India made light work of the Kiwis in every match, and while the likes of Kohli himself, who scored the series’ only double ton, and Ravi Ashwin stole the spotlight, he said it was vital to have everyone add something.

The win also made India the number one Test side, taking the mace back from rivals Pakistan, and Kohli said that no number one side could compete as individuals.

The skipper said in Indore: “It is a team sport, and it is played like a team sport. Those who write – praise or criticise – performances stand out only for them.

“In the team we know, for example, if a fast bowler runs in hard for four overs and gets only two wickets, that means a lot in a Test match.

“For me the most important points in this series were [Ravindra] Jadeja’s batting in the first Test, [Wriddiman] Saha’s batting in the second Test, and [Mohammed] Shami’s spell in the second Test.

“They matter a lot to the team. Obviously you feel good about big individual contributions, but we focus more on little contributions. Because the big ones will be talked of anyway.”

Kohli added of his double ton: “Everybody is determined and focused to perform for the team whenever he goes out to bat.

“I have scored hundreds in the past but not big ones. I have always been disappointed with myself that I don’t convert them.

“Maybe I get satisfied at reaching a milestone. I convince myself now to not think of milestones.

“The crowds will be excited, the team-mates will appreciate it, but you should reinforce that mindset to convert it into a big one.

“So I tried to react just enough to let everybody know I appreciate their support, but not react as if I have achieved all I wanted to achieve. I wanted to go long.”

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