Perth, Feb 8: India got their CB Series hopes back on track after defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets at the WACA. Positive contributions from Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli helped the Indians overcome a determined Sri Lankan outfit. India skipper MS Dhoni was particularly impressed with the way his team responded after tasting defeat in the opening match against Australia.

Dhoni expressed his delight at getting their first points on the board during the post-match presentation.

Excerpts:

On winning the first game of the series

It’s good to be on the winning side, we got a very good start – our bowlers did very well. Praveen [Kumar] had an off-day which meant [Ravichandran] Ashwin had to bowl in the Powerplays. The first three overs in the first Powerplay, the next in the second Powerplay and then he bowled in the slog overs. It was difficult for him, but I am happy that he bowled really well and he batted well also. [Ravindra] Jadeja, we have a lot of confidence in him. We always believe that he’s got the talent and can bat at No. 7 and contribute with his bowling.

On staying motivated match after match

It is a difficult task, but at the end of the day if each and every individual does his work then it becomes easier. In the last game that we played there were a few areas that we wanted to improve by putting in the right effort in the practice session that we had. There are also a couple of areas in this game that we’d like to improve.

On Virat Kohli’s fitness

You have to be ready for these circumstances—we may get a few games when it’s very hot. You have to hydrate yourself very well during the course of the game and of course overnight because you don’t really want to miss a batsman because of cramps. Nowadays you don’t get a runner if you cramp; we always commit mistakes and learn. Few of the strokes that we played we shouldn’t have.

On Virat Kohli’s run-out

[Virat Kohli] maybe thought he got a booster around his legs. People always commit mistakes and if no mistake gets committed then all batsmen will score and all bowlers will take wickets.

On it being a tightly contested series

We’ll see how it goes. In the games that we play we’ll look to do well rather than think about what the opposition is doing.