Of late, Hardik Pandya has emerged as a consistent performer for Team India and his exploits over the last few games also helped him earn the promotion to No. 4 spot in the third and fourth ODI. The marauding all-rounder did justice to his elevation too, by playing a match-winning knock of 78 runs in Indore that helped India seal the series with two games to play. Even with the ball, he has been more than just a support cast member to the duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah and picked up six wickets in the series that resulted in him being awarded the man of the series.

"Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) and (Jasprit) Bumrah have been outstanding for us. When Umesh (Yadav) and (Mohammed) Shami got their opportunity they were pretty good as well. And those two wrist spinners (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) in the middle overs were too very good," he said.

"I thought it was a really convincing series win. We've ticked all the boxes. We have been put under pressure, and we have come back four times to win four games. Lots of positives to come out of this series.”

On being asked about how difficult it is to keep the team motivated for an inconsequential game, Kohli said, "The management has played a role in that as well. I think it's become second nature to the players (to keep themselves motivated despite already winning the series)."