NEW DELHI: New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell praised his team as "a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world" following their historic 3-0 victory in the Test series in India.
The Kiwis gave a surprised India their second Test thumping at home on Sunday, winning the third Test by 25 runs inside three days in Mumbai.
With 1.4 billion people, India were humbled by a nation with a population 270 times smaller.
"We are a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world and representing the country," Mitchell said, adding that he was "mighty proud of the group".
"We know how good India are," he said.
In India, New Zealand consistently defied history and upset the odds.
The Black Caps' success in the first game in Bengaluru was their first Test triumph in India since 1988 and only their third overall.
Without the help of prolific batsman Kane Williamson, the New Zealanders won the second Test, securing their first-ever Test series victory in the nation.
In an attempt to recover for the England visit later this month, Williamson missed all three Test matches for groin treatment.
Williamson was replaced at number three by Will Young, who was vital in the last Test, hitting 71 and 51.
Young called the victory "massive", saying he would never forget the "memories with the boys that we have just created".
"That's why we play the game," said Young, who was named player of the series for his 244 runs in six innings.
"We do it for the bloke next to us, and that's a great feeling."
Under Graham Dowling, New Zealand defeated the hosts, Pakistan, 1-0 in three games in 1969 to win their maiden Test series.
However, Kiwi cricket only gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, as they defeated India and the visiting West Indies in 1979 and 1981.
Given that they were defeated 2-0 in Sri Lanka during the build-up, the India victory is the most impressive of all.
They consigned formidable India to their first home Test series loss in twelve years.
"It will sink in a little bit more when we get home, once the dust settles a little bit," said Tom Latham, who took over as full-time Test captain after Tim Southee stepped down following the Sri Lanka defeat.
"It's been a fantastic achievement. I'd say it's one of the best."
Beginning in Christchurch on November 28, New Zealand will host England for three Test matches, with further games in Wellington and Hamilton.
