Kiwi series win was important to boost morale of youngsters: Amit Mishra

Leg spinner Amit Mishra, who bamboozled New Zealand with his spectacular spell of spin bowling during the fifth and the final ODI in Vishakhapatnam to hand over India its first domestic ODI series win since 2014, has insisted that this victory would sent a positive message to the youngsters in the team.

India had rested some of the senior players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and, therefore, opportunity was for up for grabs which the likes of Hardik Pandya made full use of it.

Mishra, who took 15 wickets in the five-match series including the match-winning five-wicket haul in the series decider, said the series win and particularly the comprehensive show in the final was important to boost the morale of young players in the side.

"This is a very crucial series win for us. We had a young group and it is important that their morale stays high. The series was leveled and this was the final and the kind of performance that the boys shown; bowling them out in just 24 overs is very important. Now, when they play for India again, they will know what needs to be done and how they can get better. This win has sent a positive message to the youngsters," the leg-spinner was quoted as saying by the BCCI.TV.

The 33-year-old, who was the senior most in the line-up, had to lead from the front and continue picking wickets for the team.

"As a senior bowler, I had the opportunity to talk to the youngsters in the side and share my knowledge. You can only make them understand, when you raise your game. If you lift your performance, they will get inspired and follow what you say. I also shared my inputs with captain MS Dhoni. I am very happy with the way I bowled today" he said.

"In this series, I was always looking to take wickets. Yes, I did bowl according to the situation, but my objective was to go for wickets. If you look to contain, you are going to get hit. In the final, the bowling unit put up a very good show. We cut out the loose balls and stayed focused. The intensity was at another level and everyone wanted to give more than 100 per cent," he added.

The leggie, who was unable to find a place in the playing XI in all the three Tests against the Black Caps, said remained positive and kept working on his bowling.

"My family members, my teammates have supported me a lot and they always told me to remain positive, which has played a big role."

Run machine Virat Kohli was a strong a strong contender for the Man-of-the-Series award but Mishra, for his 15 wickets in the series, received it. It was apt as Mishra put India in situations from where the batsmen can dominate.