Curran the difference between India and England: Kohli

Heaping praise on England’s 20-year-old all-rounder, Indian captain Virat Kohli termed Sam Curran the difference between the India and England after the hosts took the series 4-1 with an easy 118-run victory in the final Test match at The Oval.

Heaping praise on England’s 20-year-old all-rounder, Indian captain Virat Kohli termed Sam Curran the difference between the India and England after the hosts took the series 4-1 with an easy 118-run victory in the final Test match at The Oval.

When asked about the difference between the two sides at the post-match presentation, Kohli had no hesitation in taking Sam Curran’s name, who was also adjudged England’s player of the series for his match-changing performances.

"There is a reason why we voted Sam (Curran) to be the Man of the series. It takes character to come in and play like that. He performed when it mattered the most. He put England forward in the 1^st Test and then when it was 2-1 in the 4th Test match, he again stood up for his side," said Kohli.

Curran picked up 11 wickets in four matches and scored 272 runs with two match-winning half-centuries in the first and fourth Test match.

Kohli also admitted that the 1-4 scoreline did not give out the full picture.  "I think the 1-4 scoreline is a fair one as England played better than us but we were not outplayed barring the Lord's Test," Kohli said.

"The kind of cricket we have played might not show on the scorecard. But both the teams know this series has been a competitive one," he added.

Kohli said the series has been a great advertisement for Test cricket.

 "This has been a great advert for Test cricket. The fans will come and watch if both teams play for a win. The basic idea was to go out there and play the cricket we are supposed to do," he said.

"England are a professional side and we realised that the game could change within two-three overs," Kohli said.

"England also don't go for draws and they played fearless cricket and so did we. That is why you won't see draws in these kinds of series."

The Indian skipper was full of praise for two centurions KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who raised visions of an improbable victory for the visitors on the final day.

 "I think a lot of credit has to go to the two young guys (Rahul and Pant)," Kohli said.

 "I am delighted for both the guys and it speaks of India's future. We did not take our opportunities."

Kohli had special words of praise for Pant, who scored his maiden Test century Tuesday. 

"Pant showed a lot of grit and character. We have character in the team and we just need some experience. When you get into a zone when you are not thinking about the result, things go your way," he said.