Credit goes to Rohit for overcoming anxiety and hesitation: Kohli

Skipper Virat Kohli feels that one but Rohit Sharma alone "deserves credit" for overcoming "anxiety and hesitation" while performing commendably in his new role as an opener, giving India eugh time to take 20 South African wickets in 3-0 Test series sweep.

Rohit turned out to be a revelation as opener with scores of 176 and 127 in first Test and 212 in third Test. team manment's stand that he could be a game-changer in longest format stood vindicated.

"Credit solely goes to player for way he overcame his anxiety and hesitation and performed in such a manner that he was judged Man-of--Series in first series as an opener. It's been outstanding for him," Kohli was effusive in praise for his white-ball deputy.

"re is always an anticipation on how would you perform as an opener in Test cricket, as he has been world's best opener in ODI cricket for a long time. Despite missing close to two sessions because of rain, his pace in batting gave us so much of time to bowl m out twice," skipper said.

top-order h performed brilliantly in series, something that skipper finds deeply satisfying.

"Mayank (Agarwal) also has done very well. Despite being new to opening, he performed consistently. Ajinkya (Rahane) also got a century at home after a long time (three years, 188 v NZ October 2016, Indore).

"He also got a Test century in West Indies after a long time. Things are moving in right direction in last two-three months. So I said, it feels very pleasing to see individuals performing collectively well."

Umesh Yav and Mohammed Shami took 24 of 60 South African wickets and ir strike-rate is something that makes m stand apart from a lot of Indian fast bowlers over years, said skipper.

"If you look at se two guys, ir strike-rate is probably best in Indian conditions in history. So it tells you that se guys hit stumps and ps more. It's a great sign of intent bowlers are running with. fitness levels have gone up," Kohli said.

One of secrets of success for this team has been positive energy.

"Even five minutes of negative energy can send you on a downward slide," said Kohli.

"It's mindset. If two people believe we can score hundreds on green wicket, n y will while ors won't. So, in same way, if fast bowlers believe y can make something happen even if re is thing in match y really can make it happen."

"y (pacers) don't want easy cricket. y wan't challenges and want to come on top of it. Even if ball is doing a little bit, y ask for ball. y immediately want to make an impact. y want to give team breakthroughs. So it's all about positive mindset," said skipper.

Kohli cited Yav's example as he is only playing in Indian conditions but is t at all disheartened as he kws that re is personal bias towards anyone.

"se guys aren't desperate. Obviously y are disappointed when y don't start. But y understand that all we are trying to do is to win Test matches for India. re is liking or disliking towards anyone.

"It's all about what team wants and that's reason why we have won 31 Tests alrey and we don't want to stop here," he said.

A happy team creates an environment of bonhomie and this team is enjoying its time under sun as skipper would tell.

"As I said, at end of your career, you can reflect and say se are my numbers. But if you are part of champion team, you will have those memories forever. A team that wins a lot leaves you with friendships and relationships that will last forever," he said.