India captain Virat Kohli lauded his bowlers after their series-winning performance in the high-scoring third One-Day International against New Zealand, in Kanpur, on Sunday.
Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed three for 47, bowled a fantastic spell at the death to guide India to a thrilling six-run victory.
New Zealand finished on 331 for seven after being set 338 for victory in the series decider.
India, who lost the opening ODI in Mumbai, staged a superb comeback to register a 2-1 series triumph. It was their seventh series win on the trot.
"To be fair to the bowlers, the wicket eased out nicely. The ball was coming onto the bat beautifully, but glad the bowlers came out on top; it was like a knock-out game for us, and the boys showed their character," Kohli said after the match.
However, he was gracious in praising New Zealand's performance in all the three games.
"Credit to New Zealand. They challenged us in all three games and forced us to play our best in every game. Credit to the skill and character they possess."
Kohli fielded at the boundary, and during the end overs wasn't as animated as one has seen him all these years.
"I decided that I would let the bowlers do what they want do and that's why I was calm. There was dew too; just glad the boys pulled through."
The skipper was modest about his own stellar role that fetched him another man of the series award, with 263 runs to his credit.
"My aim is for the team to win the game and the series, and if I personally do well then it's an added bonus."
On being the fastest cricketer to reach 9000 runs in the history of ODIs, Kohli said: "These things are hard to ignore since we keep hearing these, but the aim is to always make the team win from any situation."
Man of the match Rohit Sharma said that he did work on certain adjustments in his technique which paid dividends.
"I was watching the pre-match analysis where they said my head was falling off, so I worked slightly on it; that helped. My head was falling a bit and wasn't coming into the line of the ball. The quickly you rectify, the better it is.
"Every hundred is special, but what I was working on came off well, and that's why I am happy. Sanjay Bangar (batting coach) helped my work on some of these things and that's when results are more pleasing."
Rival skipper Kane Williamson was also happy that his team put up a great fight.
"It was a fantastic series, some great cricket played and in good series. Credit to Kohli and team, they were the better team, although by just a little bit.
"Losing from this close is frustrating, but there are good signs."
"The surface was good throughout, and the team that played better on that day won the games in this series. But against these guys, you have to be at your best to cross the line."
