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Cape Town - Indian skipper Virat Kohli has asserted that his team are focused on playing consistent cricket and that the number one Test ranking was just an added incentive.
India have been largely dominant over a brave Black Caps outfit who have fought hard but have been unable to match their hosts for consistency.
After winning the second Test in Kolkata, Kohli said: "Our objective is to keep playing consistent cricket, having rankings and getting to number one and dropping it is not in our hands, but with this long season, it's in our control in my opinion.
“We believe in ourselves to execute our plan our objective is to win game anywhere and we have shown that. Rankings are just an incentive for something you do in the field. we want to win every game - as simple as that."
Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha were singled out for special praise from the skipper who felt their performances helped lift India to the win.
The skipper said: “Batting contribution of Jadeja, Umesh (in the first game) and Saha (both innings in this game). these two are batting in positions that are very important for the team and they understand that. the keeper coming good is obviously a good bonus.
India had to fight at times in this Test but seemed to win the critical sessions almost on queue.
The 27-year-old added: “This was a test match which had to be fought out. the more we learn to play matches like this, the more we are able to win test matches.
"More than anything, the crowd helped us pick up those wickets today. Especially someone like Shami, running in, it makes a big difference to a bowler's mindset."
