I had to convince myself I belong here after Brisbane thrashing: Krunal

Krunal said that he was down and out after a poor showing in the first T20 and needed to set the record straight for a consistent showing at the international level.

Krunal registered career-best figures of 4-36 as he helped India beat Australia by six wickets in the final T20 match to level the three-match series 1-1.

"It is very difficult when you play your first game in Australia and you get hammered for 53 from 4 overs. To come out of that was not easy. It took me a while to back myself much more, especially when you have hardly played any game at this level," he said at the post-match press conference.

"Giving away 50-plus runs in Brisbane was very tough for me and the next 24 hours were tough. I had to convince myself again. Whatever anyone says, it takes some time to set in. When I played the second game (in Melbourne), I was very clear with my plans what I have to do," Krunal said.

"When you come back like this, it is very satisfying. You had such a bad day and then against the same opponent you do well, it gives satisfaction, happiness and a surety that you belong to this level. You haven't played at this level and then you perform like this it gives you hope that you can play at this level."

Krunal said for any newcomer it was important to keep calm and be patient, especially in the shortest format of the game.

"I was happy to overcome that because when you overcome such hurdles you are able to do well. Those were two drastic results for me," he said.

"As a bowler you have to understand this is T20 format, and it is part and parcel of game. One day you will get hit and one day you will get wickets."

The left-arm spinner said the T20 series was a competitive one and had it not been for the washed out game in Melbourne, India could have won the rubber.

"We came here to win the series. The first game was very close. Second game was washed out, otherwise we could have won as 140 on that wicket was not that tough.

"It shows the team's character because this match was very important and it was important to level the series here. This team is known for its character. When the chips are down you give your 100 per cent," he said.

Following in the footsteps of his younger brother Hardik, Krunal made his international debut at home soil against the West Indies.