When MS Dhoni retired from test cricket, many feared India would not get his replacement any time soon. The India vs. New Zealand series is proof that India does not miss the champion skipper at all. And, that's a wonderful thing.
Nobody questioned Virat Kohli and his capabilities as a cricketer. But, many thought he was too inexperienced to lead the Indian test team. They wanted MS Dhoni to continue. Nevertheless, Mahi knew what he was doing. He was getting India ready for future.
Since Dhoni left, India has lost only one test match. It has won ten and drawn five; not to forget how weather affected the ones which ended in a draw. Under Kohli's captaincy, India has won four test series back to back. It beat Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and now New Zealand.
India looks like a complete team now. Ravichandran Ashwin had his career-best performance in the India vs. New Zealand series. His 13/140 eventually crushed the Kiwis. It led India to its second biggest victory by 321 runs.
FirstPost notes that Ashwin is ahead of some of the all-time greats in terms of strike rate. His 49.4 is better than Mutthiah Muralitharan (55) and Shane Warne (57).
"Once I get into a good rhythm, I can beat any batter in the world; that is where I stand right now," Ashwin said. He backed his words with great performances one after another.
India's 3-0 win against New Zealand under Virat Kohli's leadership brought India back to the top. It received the ICC Test Championship mace on Tuesday.
It was MS Dhoni who took India to the top in test rankings in 2009. But, it slipped down. As Kohli takes the country back to the top, India has one more reason not to miss the former captain.
The India vs. New Zealand series was an eye-opener for India's rivals. Countries like Australia, England and South Africa will eagerly await Kohli's men to test them on foreign soil.
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