No. 2 ranking was on our minds, says Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was named man-of-the-series for a record fifth time as India decimated South Africa by 337 runs in Delhi to win the four-Test series 3-0.

After India brushed aside South Africa's stubborn resistance on the final day to win the final Test by 337 runs and seal the four-match series 3-0, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that the hosts were desperate for victory as they were aware of a surge in the ICC Test rankings.

India, who lost their numero uno standing in England four years back, shot back to No. 2 after Ashwin completed his fourth five-for of the series and his 15th overall from 32 Tests. Set to chase an improbable 481, South Africa were bowled out for 143 in their second innings after a blocking marathon by Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.
India won in Mohali, were forced to resign to a draw in rain-hit Bangalore and won big again in Nagpur on a pitch that was rated "poor" by the ICC.
Victory, at one point, seemed out of India's reach as de Villiers continued to stonewall the hosts and the light faded quickly. India had already pocketed the series in Nagpur but Ashwin said his teammates desperately wanted a win in Delhi as well.
"This Test match finish was a fitting finale to a wonderful series for the boys. We didn't want to give up, we knew if we won, we would go second in the rankings," said Ashwin after winning his fifth man-of-the series award. He finished with 31 wickets from the four matches.
Ashwin has been on a roll this year and is likely to finish 2015 as the highest-wickettaker in Test cricket. He was man-of-the-series in Sri Lanka as well for snaring 25 wickets in India's historic series win. The Chennai off-spinner and Ravindra Jadeja were in supreme form and decimated the South African batsmen on pitches tailor made for spin. Jadeja finished with 23 wickets and drew high praise from Ashwin.
"He Jadeja) has been a massive support . He doesn't give much away, he doesn't give a lot of leeway and he hits the stumps a lot. He just gets wickets that are really important. The way he bowled in the series, it was a very special performance from him as well."
Ashwin also lauded Umesh Yadav, who picked three of the last five South African wickets after tea to hasten their defeat in deteriorating light.