Virat Kohli hails India's winning mentality after hosts clinch record series victory

Sport360 staff 13:52 24/11/2019
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  • Umesh shines in India's big win. Image credit - BCCI/Twitter.

    Paceman Umesh Yadav claimed five wickets as India thrashed Bangladesh in just over two days of their first day-night Test to sweep the series 2-0 on Sunday.

    Bangladesh were bowled out for 195 in less than an hour of the first session on day three in Kolkata, as India won by an innings and 46 runs to record their 12th-straight Test series triumph on home soil.

    It was a memorable pink-ball international debut for India, who become the only team to win four consecutive Tests by an innings margin.

    Virat Kohli’s side – which has now won seven Tests in a row – consolidated their top position in the world Test championship with three successive series sweeps.

    Mushfiqur Rahim made a valiant 74 before falling to Yadav, and the innings soon folded as Mahmudullah did not return to bat after he had retired hurt on 39 on day two.

    India took 8.4 overs to wrap up the game at Eden Gardens with Yadav taking all the three wickets to fall Sunday afternoon.

    Ishant Sharma led the pace charge with impressive match figures of 9-78 to flatten the Bangladesh batting that fell for 106 in their first innings of the opening day.

    “With the way these guys are bowling now, they can pick up wickets on any surface – whether we play at home or we play away,” a victorious Kohli said.

    “I think it is all about the mindset… these guys are very hungry, they are at the top of their game.

    “I feel that we are in the right kind of space right now to capitalise on opportunities and everyone is enjoying playing in this team and I think that’s the standout feature about us.

    “Test cricket is a mental battle. We’ve learnt to stand up – it all started from Dada’s (Sourav Ganguly) team. The belief is key and to be honest we’ve worked hard, and reaping the rewards of it.”

    Kohli played a key part with his 136 in India’s 347 for nine declared on Saturday as they managed a lead of 241 runs.

    The tourists were in early trouble at 13 for four in the final session on day two when Mushfiqur resisted India’s persistent pace attack.

    Ishant trapped Shadman Islam lbw for nought and then claimed skipper Mominul Haque, who got a pair of ducks.

    The spearhead quickie, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, bowled at a lively pace as one of his rising deliveries hit Mohammad Mithun on the helmet.

    Bangladesh were forced to take two concussion substitutes in Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam for Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan who were hit on the helmet by Shami on day one.

    Mushfiqur was also at the receiving end of a nasty hit from Yadav, but went on to play a fighting knock.

    Kohli completed his 27th century before falling to a stunning catch by Taijul off Ebadat Hossain.

    India won the opening Test also inside three days, as well as the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1.

    For Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque, the tame surrender in the Test series was a concerning one.

    “Definitely, the gap between the two teams is concerning,” he said after the loss.

    “We’ve to learn from these two matches and follow up what happened. The pink ball new balls are challenging and we couldn’t take the challenge with the new ball.”

    Meanwhile, India head coach Ravi Shastri echoed Kohli’s views as he praised his side’s hunger and determination to win.

    “The discipline and the hunger to win…they know they’re arguably the best side in the world,” Shastri stated.

    “They’ve been that for some time and they know there’s no short cut. Individuals will not win it and they know it.

    “They (Bangladesh) need exposure, they’re very strong in their country but need to learn when they travel. The more the exposure, the better they’ll get. They need more strength in their pace attack overseas. If they have that, they can compete better.”

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