Video| IND vs SA, Third Test: ‘Ashwin is probably the best in the world now’

Nagpur: India Test skipper Virat Kohli lauded spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the series-win against South Africa in the third Test here on Friday.

India beat the Proteas by 124 runs within three days to seal the fixture with the spinner awarded the Man of the Match for a match haul of 12 wickets.

“He is a world class spinner, probably the best in the world right now. He stepped up for the big matches, even in Sri Lanka, he was one of the reasons why we won,” said Kohli at the post match presentation ceremony.

Video: ‘Batsmen go for hundreds, I go for fifers’

Kohli also said that his team showed character after being down in the T20 and ODI series.

Post-match presentation https://t.co/XDUZZJyiW9 #BCCI #INDvsSA

— DC Sports (@_DCSports) November 27, 2015

“They were a tough side to beat in the limited overs. But we were positive throughout the series,” he added.

South Africa skipper Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis build a 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket in between.

Did that scare Kohli thinking they may reach the target?

“You expect them to build partnerships, that’s how it goes. But in Test cricket, you need to wait for the chances and grab it when it comes,” said the 27-year-old.

It was Amit Mishra who broke the Proteas resistance picking up Amla and du Plessis in consecutive overs.

.@MishiAmit gets not one, but two big ones in quick succession. Amla & Faf back in the hut. #IndvsSA https://t.co/3tfyHPjF6O

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 27, 2015

A lot had been said about the pitch being difficult to bat with spinners having an upper hand, but Kohli cited Morne Morkel’s example who picked up three wickets in the first innings.

“You need to take it in your stride and prepare. There are no excuses or analysis to it. Morne’s reverse swing did well in the first innings. Chances can be created with other bowlers too but spinners do have advantage,” asserted Kohli, who won his second series as skipper, first at home.