XtraTime Web Desk: After winning the historical Test series on Australian soil India skipper Virat Kohli is hopeful that the triumph on Aussie soil will definitely bring the passion back home for the longest form of the game.
After the fourth Test ended in a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday Kohli & Co won the series by 2-1 and broke a 71-year cycle of unsuccessful tours Down Under.
“I see this series as a stepping stone for this team to inspire the next lot of test cricketers,” he told reporters.
“To be passionate for test cricket firstly. When Indian cricket respects test cricket we know the fans are going to come in and watch test cricket.
“In a world where a lot of people want the easy stuff, matches that finish in the evening, I think it is important to spread that message of test cricket.
“We definitely want to build on this and always promote the message of test cricket being the most important and the most valued format of the game, which it rightfully is.
“From where I see this is our vision for Indian cricket.”
Kohli heaped praise about all his pacers Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah for their remarkable bowling throughout the series.
“If your fast bowlers are happy and fighting as a team, you can win anywhere in the world and you have a chance to beat any side in the world anywhere,” he said.
“In the past 12 months I would rate their contribution as far above all the batsmen that have contributed this season.”