India have registered a convincing win in the second Test against South Africa but?captain Virat Kohli on Sunday said that they will not take the final game for granted and will aim for a whitewash against South Africa in Ranchi. India beat South Africa by an innings and 137 runs in the second Test to seal the series as they have won the series-opener in Visakhapatnam.
“Looking at the larger picture of the Test championship, every game has value, whether it is at home or away, that is the format. So, we’re not going to take our foot off the gas in the third Test,”?Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation. “No one is going to relax at any stage, we are going to go for a result in the third Test and hopefully make it 3-0, that’s a guarantee.”
While he was asked about his 178-run partnership with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth wicket, Kohli said,? he loved to bat with him.
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“I really enjoy batting with Jinx (Rahane). When we have a partnership we invariably take the game forward. You have to look forward to facing the new ball in the morning. We take a lot of pride in contributing when the situation is tough. He keeps giving me regular feedback when things are going wrong, and vice versa,” added Kohli.
Talking about wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, Kohli said he was nervous at first, saying,?“He was a bit nervous coming into Vizag, but this game he kept beautifully. Ashwin as well stepped up beautifully coming back.”
South African captain Faf du Plessis on the other hand, praised India’s performance.
“They are very tough to beat at home, their record speaks for itself. We know in the subcontinent your first innings is really important. The runs you put on the board gives you a chance,” he said.