"Every month we have been playing so many games. It is hard on the body so we have been working hard, to stay mentally and physically fit to keep putting up performances like this," Rahul told reporters after India's seven-run win over New Zealand in the fifth T20I in Mount Maunganui.

 

The win sealed a 5-0 series victory for India, the first time ever that a team have whitewashed New Zealand in a T20I series in their own backyard.

 

"Travelling away and winning a series 5-0 doesn't happen too often. So the next couple of days we will enjoy that, put our feet up and relax. Obviously we have the confidence going into the ODIs, we have been doing well for the past couple of years. Recent form for 3-4 months has been great too, personally as well as a team, we have been doing well," he said.

 

The series has been a good one for Rahul personally, in keeping with the rich vein of form he is enjoying in limited overs cricket. He was man of the series for top scoring with 224 runs in the series and in the fifth T20I, he captained the team during the New Zealand innings with Kohli rested for the match and Rohit Sharma unable to take the field due to injury. In addition to all this, Rahul has also been India's first choice wicketkeeper since Rishabh Pant was dropped.