SA vs IND, 3rd Test: Hats Off To The Team, Says Virat Kohli

It took India some time to show why they were widely tipped to end the country’s long wait for a series win in South Africa but when they finally did, South Africa looked clueless. After being thoroughly outplayed in the first two Tests, the world number one Test side blew away South Africa in the third and final Test to end the three-match series on a high.

The Virat Kohli-led side’s never-say-die attitude was on full display at the Wanderers as they snatched victory after being pushed firmly on the backfoot. Contrary to the popular speculations, South Africa started their chase of 241 on day four on a stunning note with Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla adding 119 runs for the second wicket. It looked all but over for India before Ishant Sharma dismissed Hashim Amla and gave India a slim hope. Well, the dismissal turned out to be the much-required boost as India’s bowlers ran riot to take the last eight wickets for just 53 runs to fire the team to a famous win. From 124 for 1, the hosts were all out for just 177 as India won the game by 63 runs.

Speaking after the famous win, Virat Kohli lavished praise on his teammates for showing character.

“We required some character on a pitch that was very difficult but our guys showed great guts. Batting first didn’t go down well with a lot of people. Hats off to the team for showing character after the series was gone. It’s a funny game. You think of many ways to get a batsmen out. Amla and Elgar played well. In pressure situations, when wickets go down in Test cricket, it’s very difficult to come back,” Kohli said at the presentation ceremony.

The India skipper went on single out the bowlers for his praise, lauding them for taking 10 South African wickets in all the six innings.

“The bowlers were the biggest positive; we haven’t done 60 wickets in the past. We wan’t to correct certain mistakes. That lower-order showed character. This win feels great. As batsmen, if we can think about countering conditions better, we can do away from home,” he said.