India scripted massive innings and 171-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third Test at Pallekele. This victory also helped the team register a historic 3-0 whitewash over the hosts.
Hardik Pandya emerged as the all-rounder India was trying to find since the retirement of the legendary Kapil Dev. His majestic performance, athleticism and energy was on display in the field as the team outplayed their neighbours in all departments of the game.
He hit a brilliant century in the Third test after the chips were down in India's first innings. Further, the hard-hitting century was his first in only his third Test match. Apart from that, he also claimed a wicket and took some fabulous catches to earn the Man-of-the-match award.
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None of the three matches lasted five days, with the final one being the shortest, lasting just two and a half days with the hosts folding up for 181 in 74.3 overs in their second innings shortly before tea on day three.
The comprehensive series win also extended India'sdominating run in Tests ever with 20 victories, one loss and five draws since the defeat in Galle in the previous series in Sri Lanka two years ago. Shikhar Dhawan was adjudged the Man-of-the-series for his two centuries.
READ: Hardik Pandya scores maiden Test hundred of career against Sri lanka
Kohli heaped praises on his bowlers for their brilliance in capturing 20 wickets in all the three Tests. He effectively praised India's new-ball bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav who bowled with a lot of heart.
The skipper claimed that both of them bowled amazingly well in the last home season and thus the team management backed them throughout the tour.
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