If we are provoked, we give it back: Kohli

“Regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak, if something pokes us, we speak and give it right back. All people don’t digest it well but we take it very well and we give it back even better,” Kohli said after the fourth Test here, which he missed owing to a shoulder injury.

Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under. “Some people want to create some spice sitting in some part of the world. They don’t confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on the mike but to go out there and bowl and bat is different,” he said. 

Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side. “I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine,” he said. 

“It’s been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World No 7 to No. 1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain.I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well,” he added.

He lauded stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the dominating eight-wicket win in the fourth Test. “Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside.” Rahane praised the entire team. “Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. I am happy as a captain. I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well,” Rahane said. 

Adjudged Man of Match and Man of the series, Ravindra Jadeja was on cloud nine. “It really feels great to be the No. 1 Test bowler and being part of this champion Test side,” he said.