Kingston: Riding on some splendid batting from Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane and some fantastic bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja, India beat West Indies by 257 runs in the second Test match at Kingston on Monday. With this win India also clinched the two Test-match series 2-0. In the process Virat Kohli also became the most successful Indian captain in Tests.
Speaking about the win, Virat Kohli said, "It was pretty comprehensive again. We played good cricket, and getting the result in the manner you want is crucial as a team. We were put under pressure in a couple of sessions. While batting, there were some tricky situations but it took some character from the boys. Hanuma was the standout batsman, but Ajinkya in the second innings, Mayank in the first innings, Ishant with the fifty - it was an innings full of grit."
In all praise for Vihari, Kohli said that according to the surface, Vihari's innings was top class. "He looks confident and the dressing-room feels calm when he bats. He's always willing to improve and correcting his mistakes. Plays with a lot of heart. Up to do anything for the team. That's why he invariably plays crucial innings for us. Young career for him so far, but he showed why he's been backed by this team," said Kohli.
Talking about being the most successful Test captain, Kohli said, "It's a by-product of the team we have. Our bowlers are amazing. Shami was great, Ishant bowling his heart out, Jadeja bowling a long spell. Captaincy is just a 'C' in front of your name. It's a collective effort. West Indies will understand the areas they need to improve. From a bowling point of view, West Indies were amazing. Kemar and Jason were their standout bowlers. If they get enough runs on the board, they'll be a very dangerous opposition in Test cricket."
Meanwhile, Man-of-the-match, Hanuma Vihari said, "Maiden Test hundred feels great. Missed out on the hundred in the last match, so was focusing on a big score this time. We were 200 for 5 in the first innings, and that was my goal while batting with Rishabh Pant. You had to be patient on this wicket, and select the ball where you'll score runs. There was something for the bowlers, so you need to wait for the balls. Took some calculated risks against the spinners. Even in the second innings, the template worked well for me. I have not played a Test match at home yet, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity. Special batting in front of home crowd."
