Rahul Dravid (R) runs to join in for some enthusiastic celebrations

Thursday's win in Cochin put India 4-0 up with three to play and Dravid will now sit out the next two matches as the hosts indulge in some squad rotation.

He said: "We have been under pressure at various times in this series.

"But we are always finding people to get us out of trouble whenever we need them to. I am so proud of the boys."

Dravid, whose innings of 65 was a vital component of the Cochin win, added: "Everyone in the squad has contributed.

"The boys have a spirit, enthusiasm and desire to keep learning and improving.

"We need to keep getting better but what i have seen the last few months is very heartening."

The victory was India's eighth in succession and they are looking good to mount a strong challenge in next year's World Cup.

Match report England reaction Match scorecard

Dravid, who indicated he may be rested for at least one of the remaining three matches, said the goal for the rest of the series was to develop the squad.

He said: "We would like to keep winning but we will use this opportunity to see how we can give the younger boys some opportunities and bat them in different positions.

Yuvraj Singh won his second man-of-the-match award in succession, this time for his exploits with bat and ball.

He said: "The wicket was giving help to the spinners so I thought i would try to keep a tight line and the wicket of Flintoff got us into the game.

"The wickets in India really suit me."

Of his innings of 48, he said: "There was a little pressure at the end but I knew that if Suresh [Raina] and I could get a partnership it would be easy for the guys batting after us.

In Dravid's absence, Virender Sehwag will captain the team in Guwahati on Sunday and Jamshedpur on Wednesday.

The regular captain will return for the final game in Indore on 15 April.