Mahendra Singh Dhoni today showed nerves of steel while guiding India to a nail-biting six-wicket win over Australia in the third Test, but the India skipper said his team was under a "bit of pressure" despite chasing a small total for a series clinching victory here.
"With one batsman less and with our lower order not scoring enough runs, yes we were under a bit of pressure," Dhoni said at the post-match press conference.
After bowling out Australia for 223 in their second innings, India chased down the target of 133 with 15 balls remaining before close of play in a match.
India's win gave the hosts a 3-0 lead in the four-match rubber, their best-ever result in a single series against Australia.
"It got close in the end. If you see I don't gamble...we had everything to lose, nothing to gain. We had one batsman less, from seven to 11 we have not scored enough runs. It's important that batsmen who are set are there till the end. Vijay got out when he was playing well," Dhoni said.
The hosts encountered some tense moments in their run chase before Dhoni smashed three fours off Mitchell Clarke in a row to seal the match in India's favour, much to the delight of the home crowd.
{{/usCountry}}The hosts encountered some tense moments in their run chase before Dhoni smashed three fours off Mitchell Clarke in a row to seal the match in India's favour, much to the delight of the home crowd.
{{/usCountry}}The skipper felt the track at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium has so far been the best surface to bat on in the series.
India had come into this match after posting convincing wins in Chennai and Hyderabad.
"I felt that it was the best wicket to bat on over the last three Tests. It becomes slightly easier to bat if you play a few deliveries."