Centurion: Describing the Centurion as the toughest of all venues in South Africa, skipper Virat Kohli said the opening Test win here over South Africa is a testament to the “all-round side” that India have become in the longest format.
India wrapped up a memorable 2021 in style by bringing down South Africa’s stronghold, SuperSport Park, as they suffered a 113-run loss to the Proteas in the opening Test. It was the perfect end to the year in which the Indians, despite being plagued by injuries, beat Australia in their own backyard.
“At no place in South Africa is a Test series going to be easy and Centurion is definitely the toughest,” Kohli said. bcci.tv,
While India’s batsmen did well to ensure a substantial lead in both the innings, the pace unit made its way through the South African batting line-up, taking 18 wickets.
“The results we got in four days are a testament to the fact that we have become the team we are today and the strength of the team was on full display,” Kohli said.
“We were just looking for chances to win matches and that’s how we play cricket now and at any level we will take advantage of that opportunity,” he said.
Having never won a series in South Africa, Kohli believes the win is a “golden opportunity” for the Indian team to put pressure on the home team and get favorable results in the second Test.
“To be 1-0 away from home, to put the opposition under pressure again in the second Test is a golden opportunity for us and something that is a beautiful position for every player.
“It sets us up beautifully for the Wanderers, we can go out there and be more positive and optimistic.”
Reflecting on the year where India achieved historic success in Australia and are leading a Test series in England that will be completed next year due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Kohli said that the side will each Getting confident with the passing game.
“The new year is a very good marker to analyze how you played your cricket and I think we have played some excellent cricket in the last 2-3 years, especially overseas.
We are a team that is getting better and more confident about how much cricket we play.
Stand-in Test vice-captain KL Rahul, who was also adjudged the player of the match for his scintillating 123 in the first innings, was also elated with the win.
He said, ‘Coming to a country like South Africa, it feels very special to defeat them in their own fort.
“This is the second such win for us, one at the Gabba and now in a Centurion. Hopefully we can go ahead with this and win the series,” said Rahul.
