New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori admitted that India were full value for their Test series win after the final Test ended as a draw.
Dhoni delighted after historic win in New Zealand
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori admitted that India were full value for their Test series success after the third and final Test ended as a draw in Wellington.
A 10-wicket win in Hamilton in the first Test proved decisive as India went on to record their first Test series triumph in New Zealand since 1968.
Speaking after the 1-0 series defeat, Vettori believes India deserve to be bracketed with Australia and South Africa at the peak of world cricket.
"They're obviously starting to prove themselves away from home," he said.
"I think you can throw Australia, South Africa and India in there as the three best teams in the world, it's hard to distinguish between the three at the moment."
Vettori also conceded the draw in Wellington had been a flattering result for the Black Caps, who had slumped to 281-8 in their second innings before rain washed out the scheduled 57.3 overs left in the final day.
Pressure
"I think India outplayed us in most departments, apart from our first morning session when we had them 200-6. From then on in it's been India's game," he said.
The 30-year-old all-rounder also had no regrets about choosing to field first after winning the toss.
"I still look back and say 200-6 you would take that any day of the week," he said.
"I don't have regrets about the logic of the decision I suppose you want a better result in the end but to have an Indian batting line-up 200-6 on a good wicket justified the decision."
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes his side's historic Test series win will increase the pressure on the next team that ventures to New Zealand.
"We have achieved something that is big, but the tough thing is to maintain it," he said.
"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."
