'In the last two years, Team India has gone through a learning curve'

Virat Kohli during a Team India training

IMAGE: Virat Kohli during a Team India training. Photograph: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

Virat Kohli has said that patience is key to success in Test cricket as one mistake can turn the game around.

"In Test cricket, an hour of bad cricket or bad execution can turn the whole game around. So I think we have done well to maintain our composure, do well in those moments and that is why we have been able to win two Test matches after being 1-0 down." The skipper maintained that they have addressed the issue of closing in matches, within the group.

"That is something we have addressed and it only shows the hunger of the guys in improving as cricketers in actually wanting to close games of cricket rather than hesitating at times. We have gone through a learning curve.

"In the last two years, a lot of people have gone from two Tests to 15-16 matches and that has been a learning, as to how they are able to react in a certain situation. That has changed over a period of time and that only comes with experience," he added.

'The players have been willing to put in that extra effort'

Indian Test captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan

IMAGE: Indian Test captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. Photograph: PTI

Kohli said there was no substitute to hardwork and that would be the mantra of this team.

"They are willing to work harder than they might have in the past, they have been willing to put in that extra effort. The guys have really understood and accepted that sometimes you have to show that discipline and not concede too many runs so the pressure can be created.

"This series (the recent one in Sri Lanka) has been a revelation with this bowling attack and the guys have understood and learnt from this experience," he added.

'It is important to back individuals and get the best out of them'

The Indian team during a practice session

IMAGE: The Indian team during a practice session. Photograph: PTI

As a skipper, he believes in backing his individuals so that they can "express themselves" freely.

"It is very important to back individuals and get the best out of them because you will never know until you give them the chance to express themselves, how good they are, how good they are in pressure situations, or can they win a game for you in particular situations or from particular situations.

"From my end I made all the effort to make them feel comfortable, allowing them to go out there and express themselves in any sort of situation to benefit the team," said Kohli.