Virat Kohli hailed Rohit Sharma's contribution and said that his knock in Chennai on a raging turner helped the momentum shift in India's favour after losing the first Test by 227 runs. India, after losing the series opener, came roaring back to win the remaining three fixtures emphatically as they sealed the 4-match series 3-1. In the second Test, Rohit smashed 161 in the first innings and helped India post a big first innings total of 329. After the series win in Ahmedabad, the Indian skipper, in the post-match press conference, said Rohit's knock was the defining moment in the series for India.
"Rohit's knock was the most defining moment in us coming back (in the series). Getting 150 (161) on that pitch was as good as getting 250 and it got us into the contest," Kohli said.
"Throughout the series, he got important knocks and partnerships," Kohli added.
Kohli also hailed the youngsters (Washington Sundar and Axar Patel) for stepping up and grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
"Axar and Washington are ready and the idea was to have youngsters who came in and perform with fearlessness. Rishabh and Washi did it with that game-changing partnership and Axar too," Kohli said.
In the fourth Test, Rishabh Pant hit his third Test century and Washington Sundar played a crucial unbeaten knock of 96 to help India take a huge first innings lead of 160.
In reply, England were bundled out for 135 as Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel took five wickets apiece on Day 3 to finish the game.
Kohli also lauded Ashwin and called him India's "most bankable player" over the last few years.
"Ashwin has been banker for us for the past six-seven years in Test cricket," Kohli concluded.
With the win, India also qualified for the World Test Championship final and they will face New Zealand at the Lord's Cricket Ground.