Off-spinner Ashwin has picked 17 wickets in two matches and for second successive time in this series, India were able to achieve their target of taking 20 wickets.
"Ashwin has been a champion bowler for us. He's been taking wickets for us everywhere. Even on the Australia tour he was more aggressive with the ball. Even in his mindset, he's bowling in a more aggressive manner. It's almost impossible to get him away. He's bowling beautifully right now and I'm glad to see him with this kind of mindset, attacking the batsmen all the time," said Kohli.
"It's pretty satisfying especially knowing we came pretty close twice before at Adelaide and Galle. I think the Galle defeat hurt us in the right way. It's a commendable effort by all the boys, to regroup so well after the loss like that knowing that we should have won the game. I think it's tremendous effort to get yourself together, put yourself in and play the same way again.
"To capitalise and improve on the same situation that we failed to in the first Test shows the guys are keen to improve and hungry to win. As a captain that is very satisfying," he said.
"I'm more pleased with the bowlers taking 20 wickets rather than guys getting hundreds. That's usually been the case for a very long time to have someone getting the runs. The session we had in the first innings where we literally squeezed them was one of the best bowling session I've been part of with this Indian cricket team.
"In the past two years, that was easily our best bowling effort as a group, especially in terms of partnerships. I'm really happy for them and in a game like today, we actually closed it off very convincingly. That actually gives them more confidence. Next time they go around, they will go with the belief they can take crucial wickets," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
