The rain forced the teams off 30 minutes into the afternoon session with New Zealand 281 for eight, still 336 runs short. New Zealand cricket has been severely weakened due to many of its leading players signing up with the Indian Cricket League. But Dhoni felt nothing should diminish the achievement of his team, who have now completed successive series wins against Australia, England and New Zealand.
“Everybody contributed. Each and every batsman scored at some point and the same with the bowlers,” said Dhoni.
“The wickets were on the flatter side, not much for the bowlers, so they had to keep changing their plans and improvising at times and the same applied with the batsmen. It was a very good team effort.”
The wicketkeeper added that India’s victory had set the standard for future touring sides.
“You have set the benchmark and the next time you come to New Zealand, people expect you to win,” Dhoni added. “We have achieved something that is big, but the tough part is to maintain it.
“It’s never easy for cricketers. If you have not achieved something there is pressure to do so. Once you have achieved something then there is pressure to sustain it. Nothing is easy.
“I think it will be tougher for the next guys who come here.”
India took charge of the final Test New Zealand were dismissed for 197 on Saturday in reply to the tourists’ 379.
After declaring their second innings on 434 for seven, an overall lead of 616, India seemed well placed to secure victory after reducing New Zealand to 84 for four.
However, Ross Taylor (107) and James Franklin combined in the largest fifth-wicket partnership by a New Zealand pair against India to frustrate Dhoni’s side.
Gautam Gambhir named man of the series after scoring 445 runs in the three Tests at an average of 89.
Jess Ryder was perhaps New Zealand’s biggest plus, with his double century in the second Test proving the devastating limited-overs batsman could convert his skills into the longer format.
