New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who took eight wickets and played a crucial role in India's triumph over the West Indies by seven wickets, securing a 2-0 Test series victory, expressed his enjoyment in bowling numerous overs on a sluggish pitch while achieving significant breakthroughs.

During the five-day match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India's spin trio consisting of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar collectively bowled 143.5 overs, capturing 13 wickets among them. Kuldeep, the series' top wicket-taker, recorded impressive figures of 5-82, contributing to India's substantial 270-run lead.

“This wicket was quite unique. The challenge of bowling many overs here was something I truly relished. There wasn’t any drift due to the dryness of the pitch, but I love the thrill of bowling a lot and seizing breakthroughs,” Kuldeep reflected.

“It’s rewarding to bowl out batters. I took pleasure in a few wickets during the initial Tests and here too. Tomorrow we head to Australia for the white-ball series, so preparedness is key. Having Jadeja around is wonderful; he has consistently guided me during challenging times,” he added after the match.

As India’s vice-captain in Rishabh Pant’s absence, Jadeja noted that stepping into a more significant bowling role after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement and receiving clear guidance from head coach Gautam Gambhir has enabled him to flourish in Tests.

“With Ashwin's retirement, I had the chance to bowl more overs. Overall, our teamwork has been commendable in both batting and bowling. We understand the brand of cricket we’ve been exhibiting over the past five to six months, which is promising for our future,” Jadeja stated.

“Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) has positioned me at number six, shifting my mindset to think more like a dedicated batsman, which has been beneficial. Previously, batting at numbers eight and nine shaped a different approach, but now I aim to spend more time at the crease,” he further elaborated.

“Honestly, I don’t dwell too much on records. My focus is on contributing significantly with bat and ball to secure victories for my team. I strive to deliver my best, and winning my third Man of the Series award is a delightful achievement,” he expressed.

B Sai Sudharsan, who scored 87 and 39 while batting at number three, shared how captain Gill has instilled confidence in him for a long Test career. “It feels fantastic to come back to India after a competitive series in England and clinch the victory here. I’ve gained invaluable insights over these five matches and look forward to enhancing my performance further for the team,” he said.

“Grasping the responsibilities of a number three batsman and learning to play conservatively are lessons I will carry forward. Playing alongside Shubman Gill, his captaincy and belief in our abilities is truly motivating,” Sudharsan added.

When asked about his remarkable catch to dismiss John Campbell in the first innings and the time spent off the field due to an injured hand, Sudharsan noted, “I was confident he wouldn’t sweep. The pitch was low, so I bravely maintained my position, and I was fortunate in that moment.”