We Need Everyone to be the Best Version of Themselves: Virat Kohli

Under Virat Kohli, India become the first team in history to complete a whitewash in a five-match T20I series.

Under Virat Kohli, India become the first team in history to complete a whitewash in a five-match T20 International series.

(Photo: IANS)

India captain Virat Kohli on Sunday said he wants his players to be the "best version of themselves" in order to dominate world cricket in the coming years.

India notched up a rare 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand with a seven-run win in the fifth and final T20 International in Mount Maunganai

“We need everyone to be the best versions of themselves. It is all about laying the vision in front of the boys, the way you think, prepare. The guys are taking notice of it and they realise that the team needs 120 percent from them every time.”

Virat Kohli

"Because only then you will find ways to win. That has been a massive change for us in the last two-three years. We have seen the results; we obviously won't win everything and these victories give a lot more pleasure than the one-sided victories,” said Kohli.

With Kohli resting himself from the inconsequential final game, Rohit Sharma was the stand-in skipper, but the opener suffered a calf injury while batting and had to retire hurt.

In his absence, KL Rahul led the side to victory.

Heaping praise on the team at the presentation ceremony, Kohli said: "All of us are really proud of how we played.”

“It’s about finding ways to win. Today, all these young guys were on the field after Rohit’s unfortunate injury and them coming together and handling the pressure.”

Virat Kohli

"That gives me a lot of pleasure watching from the outside and they will take this momentum going forward for many years,” said Kohli.

There Wasn’t a Massive Gap Between Both Sides: Southee

(Photo: AP)

It was the first time that New Zealand lost three or more matches in a bilateral T20I series at home. The hosts had gone down 0-2 to England back in February 2008.

New Zealand stand-in skipper Tim Southee said there wasn't much difference between the two sides.

“It’s another close one, unfortunately on the wrong side again. If you give them a sniff, they take it with both hands. I don’t think it is a massive gap, the scoreline does suggest that, but we only need to do the smaller things better.”

Tim Southee

The two teams will next play a three-match ODI series beginning on February 5 and Southee hoped that the hosts will put up a better show with new players coming into the side.

"The ODIs are a different format, new personnel come in and it is a format where we have done well," he said.

Bumrah Back at His Best

(Photo: AP)

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was adjudged the Man of the Match for his three-wickets haul, said he always had the belief that a couple of good overs can change the complexion of the game.

"Feeling very good. The match got close at one point but we had belief that if we can squeeze in one or two good overs, the match can get close," he said.

“It was windy, I was trying to use the wind and the longer side of the boundary. Very happy with the learning different ground dimensions, first time in New Zealand, great result.”

Jasprit Bumrah