Visakhapatnam: Having guided India to a wonderful series victory here on Saturday, Amit Mishra was adjudged Man of the Match and Man of the Series.

He's, of course, happy with his performance, but keeps reminding himself that he has to perform in every game.

Talking to reporters after his super show against the Black Caps, the leg-spinner said: "I'm very much satisfied for having delivered in this decider. Having taken five wickets and helping my team win the series, I really couldn't have asked for anything better.

"But at this stage of my career, I've to perform in every game... I always want to be a wicket-taking bowler.

"It has become a sort of trademark that Amit will give the breakthrough whenever he comes on to bowl. I just want to keep taking wickets."

Mishra has also stopped thinking about how many opportunities would come his way or how many matches he could play in a series. He wants to focus solely on his performance.

"I've stopped thinking what's not in my hands. I can improve my fitness, batting, bowling and fielding, and give my 100 per cent whenever I play. I just don't want to think of how many matches I've played or can play.

"I've prepared myself mentally in such a way that whenever there's an opportunity, I give more than 100 per cent. I'm happy for all the hard work I've put in.

"I've performed well and become Man of the Series. It's the second series where I've played five successive matches.

"There was a lot of pressure in this final match. So, to perform well here, it really feels great," Mishra explained.

Coach Anil Kumble's tips have also been very important for Mishra.

"Anil bhai spoke to me about the use of the seam and also about staying tough mentally on the field. The small tips that he gives make a difference.

"He's someone who supported me even when I made an error. When I sat out for the entire Test series, he gave me mental support, telling me that my time would definitely come. He even talks to me about how I can improve my batting," Mishra emphasised.

Mishra doesn't focus on achievements much as he believes that only adds to the pressure.

"By thinking of achievements, I just don't want to pressurise myself more. I focus on the match situation and try to do well there," he said.

Mishra also spoke of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's backing and support for him when he was about to bowl in this crucial tie.

"When I started bowling, I was worried about conceding boundaries. But Dhoni backed me and asked me to bowl the normal way I do.

"He told me if I get one or two wickets, the rest will take care of itself. His assurance was very important."

Mishra made it clear that he wasn't very surprised with New Zealand's capitulation.

"I'm not surprised to see them collapse. We had put in a lot of hard work for this game. We bowled and fielded really well. We knew that if we get one or two wickets early, we could get them out quickly," he explained.