Kolkata: In all praise for Wriddhiman Saha, who made some valuable contribution with the bat down the order in the second Test match against New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which India won by 178 runs, Indian skipper said that Saha was brilliant and at present is the best wicket-keeper in the country.

“He is doing a great job in Test cricket. That hundred in West Indies really improved his confidence. He understands how to bat with the tail now. Those extra runs in the end with Saha, Bhuvi and Shami contributing was crucial,” said Kohli, adding that it was a lovely Test match.

“It was a brilliant Test wicket. Apart from the variable bounce here and there, it going to get better and better. In the first innings, we understood we threw it away with a few loose shots. But in the second innings the New Zealand bowlers really put us under pressure. I am really happy for Rohit (Sharma) as well. He stuck it out, handled the pressure really well, and you know his love affair with Eden. More than anything, the crowd helped us pick up those wickets today. Especially someone like Mohammed Shami, running in, it makes a big difference to a bowler's mindset. Our objective is to keep playing consistent cricket, having rankings and getting to number one and dropping it is not on our hands. But with this is a long season and it's in our control in my opinion."

Meanwhile, New Zealand stand-in skipper Ross Taylor said: "It was an impressive performance the way the bowlers got stuck in hot, humid conditions. We put India under pressure, but credit to them for withstanding it, especially Saha in both the innings. To be honest, we thought the pitch would be different. A good cricket wicket, it's just been relaid and is going to get better and better. I guess anytime you have a 112-run deficit, you're always under pressure. We got some early wickets, but the partnership between Saha and Rohit took it away from us. I thought Tom Latham was outstanding today. I have never been to Indore before. It will be interesting to see what the wicket will be like. Good to see Kane Williamson at the ground today. Still a bit pale, but knowing him, he'll be back in the nets tomorrow.”