Dhoni praise bowlers for win against Proteas

Kolkata, Feb 18(ANI): Team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Thursday praised his bowlers for innings and 58-run win against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The win helped India to retain their place at the top of the ICC rankings and draw the series level at 1-1.

Resuming the day at 115-3, India bowled out South Africa for 289 in their second innings despite another unbeaten century from Hashim Amla.

"The bowlers were really great. The wicket did nothing on the first day. It was not a turner as such but Mishy and Bhajji bowled really well," Dhoni said.

Having lost over a day to rain and bad light, Dhoni said that he was eager for the victory as all his bowlers had given their best performance to keep the Proteas under pressure throughout the match.

He said that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (5-59) and leg-spinner Amit Mihsra (3-78) were the heroes for the team, while fast bowler Ishant Sharma was incredible to chip in with two wickets.

"Today we didn't have Zaheer and the bowlers bowled really well. We had lost one day's play. We desperately wanted to be on the winning side because of the amount of effort that the three bowlers put in today," Dhoni said.

"Mishra bowled really well. It was good to see Ishant bowling with rhythm and pace and bowling in right areas. Bhajji too was brilliant. There is so much pressure on him ever since Anil Kumble retired. Every time he walks out, people expect him to get 3-4 wickets," he added.

India lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and six runs and needed a win to retain the top spot.

India now leads the Test rankings with 124 points, followed by South Africa at 120. These rankings have been reserved till May. (ANI)