IND v ENG: This Indian Team Is Certainly Very Special, Says Anil Kumble

As India regained the Anthony De Mello Trophy 3-0 with one to go, head coach Anil Kumble claimed the current Indian team is the best when it comes to stability, with lower-order doing a wonderful job with the bat and that’s been the highlight of the series so far.

“You can’t really compare different teams, but this is the No. 1 side in the world. They are exception in their intensity and awareness. Everyone has contributed. This team is certainly special. Hopefully it’s 4-0 in Chennai,” Kumble said.

Kumble, who himself played some fine innings particularly on home soil when his team needed in the past, lavished praise on both the captain and the newly appointed vice-captain, Ravichandran Ashwin.

“This is very special, we have lost three tosses. The 200-run stand between Jayant and Virat was exceptional. Ashwin has bowled beautifully throughout the series. He’s never happy or satisfied, that’s the best part about him.” Kumble added.

Kumble said it was a very special thing to emerge victorious as Ashwin sent down brilliant spell in the morning while taking all four wickets on Day 5, which just saw eight overs.

“He (Ashwin) is constantly working on his bowling. He knows that carrom ball can be difficult to pick and he showed that with Jonny Bairstow’s wicket.” Kumble said.

Rising against the tide, it was Ashwin’s 24th five-wicket haul in his just 43rd Test before ending with outstanding figures off 12/167.

It’s pertinent to mention that the English side had lost five wickets in 72 balls at Wankhede’s typical red surface and five wickets in 71 balls at Visakhapatnam (Vizag) during the second Test. This shows how fragile England’s batting line-up is on the sub-continent wickets.

“For us to get to 600 with seven down was exceptional and the bowlers were excellent,” Kumble further said.

Virat Kohli-led side while giving a victory lap, reminded fans of the famous World Cup final’s victory lap against Sri Lanka on April 2, 2011.

England lost the fourth Test by an innings and 36 runs at Wankhede. After 2008, it was India’s first series win against them.