On a track that traditionally offers vicious turn, the Sri Lankan batting fell like a pack of cards as the spinning duo of Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal made sure that India would not have to break a lot of sweat while chasing a total that would seal them the series. The duo were pertinent while bowling closer to the stumps and managed to extract a good amount of turn as well. Meanwhile, Dhoni was seen putting his arm around the spinners to tell them what was needed to be done. Kuldeep also admitted the same after returning with his career-best figures.

Explaining what worked for him, Kuldeep said, “Obviously their batsmen were set and we knew we needed wickets in the middle overs. I got two wickets in one over and that really changed the momentum for us. The wicket was very good for spinners, we were getting turn and sharp turn as well and that's really motivated me to do well. I worked on my lengths as well. It's just preparation that matters. Whenever you don't play you practice and work hard on your fitness and fielding when you get a chance you try and put up your best performance.”

“The series so far has been so good for me and I would want to continue the same in the T20I series as well. Dharamsala incident is totally forgotten. Getting that wicket in the first game was really disheartening. I am backing myself and being positive. Whatever the situation would be, I would go in and express myself,” Iyer said in the post-match interview.

“I am enjoying coming out and giving interviews only when I am scoring good runs. I am enjoying myself and even my team loves it. Obviously, I used to watch these players play from the stadium and now I am playing with them. It is a great feeling. Not a lot has changed. I have been playing with these players in the last three years at the IPL.”