Mumbai: It took India just over 30 minutes to wrap up the game on 5th Day morning as R Ashwin came to his own and took another fifer and 12 wickets in the match. But it was Captain Virat Kohli’s career best 235 that was enough to be adjudged as the “Man of the Match”, leaving aside his captaincy skills.
Virat Kohli also called the series win over England the "sweetest" of India's recent Test successes. It was their fifth series win in a row but their first in four attempts against England with their previous series victory back in 2008 which made it all the more special.
“This series win is probably the sweetest of all we've won in the past 14-15 months," Kohli said in the post-match presentation. “It couldn't get any better in the Wankhede. You win 3-0 against a top quality side that has beaten us convincingly. It feels really good."
India’s coach Anil Kumble was all in praises for this Indian side calling it a “special” team. “You can't really compare different eras or different teams," he said. "But this team, certainly, is the No. 1 team in the world today and it has the potential to become the best ever Test team in terms of results. The team was exceptional in terms of the intensity shown on the field, in terms of situational awareness and coming out from difficult situations in this series and even against New Zealand as well. Everyone has contributed to the team's success and that's the beauty about this team. I don't really like to compare, but this team is certainly special and I'm really privileged to be part of this set up as well."
Chennai Test is more a matter of prestige and pride for England rather than result. Although they have already lost the series, 3-1 would sound a lot better than 4-0 and having known their selection flaws and acknowledging their inability to take advantage of the chances would definitely help them improve their game plan and try and play with a lot more intent as they don’t have anything to lose in Chennai.
This might very well work in their favour and help them play more freely leaving aside the pressure of playing for the result. India, too, would come with an intent to win and make it 4-0 in Chennai and maintain their unbeaten record.
Chennai Test starts from December 16 and teams wouldn’t have much time between the matches, so England would have to have that positive mindset within this short span of time.
Day 5:
England 400 & 195 (55.3 overs)
India 631
India won by an innings and 36 runs