India vs Australia | Transition started when I became captain, states Virat Kohli
After becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia, Virat Kohli has mentioned that the transition of the team started when he was made the captain of the side. He also stated that the series win will give a different identity to the young Indian team in world cricket.
Virat Kohli, not only became the first Indian captain, but also the first Asian skipper to win a Test series in Australia as the final Test in Sydney ended in a draw. India was in the driver’s seat at the SCG as well but rain played spoilsport as the visitors failed to register a 3-1 over the Aussies Down Under. The last day was completely washed out after a rain-affected fourth day where only 26 overs were possible. Australia was 6/0 in their second innings as they were enforced the follow-on by the Indian skipper after getting bowled out for a mere 300 in the first.
The Indian skipper was delighted with the team’s performance in the series and said that he is proud and honoured to lead this Indian team which scripted history in Australia.
“Firstly I want to say, I've never been more proud of a team than this one. The culture we've been able to build over the last 12 months. Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time. Only one word to say, I'm proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good. Definitely, deserve to enjoy this moment. By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile,” Kohli said during the presentation ceremony.
“When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional. This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we've been able to achieve is something to be really proud of. That's something that we spoke about, just wanted to go back to basics, not be flamboyant.”
Cheteshwar Pujara was the star of the series as the Indian No. 3 hit three centuries in four Tests and bagged the Man of the Series award along with the Man of the Match for the last game in Sydney for his brilliant 193-run innings. Mayank Agarwal was brought into the side as an opener and he was impressive as well with two 70 odd scores at the top while Rishabh Pant impressed one and all with his dominating hundred in the first innings of the Sydney Test.
“Want to give a special mention to Pujara. He's one guy always willing to accept things. He's the nicest man around. Special mention to Mayank Agarwal too. To come in on Boxing Day and play like that against a
Lauding the efforts of the Indian bowlers, Kohli expressed, “We knew once the batsmen score, our bowlers are lethal. The way the bowlers have dictated terms in this series. And not just this one, the previous two tours as well. I've not seen happen in Indian cricket. They don't look at a pitch and think there's nothing for us. It's a revelation for Indian cricket and
Australia played in the series without their senior players like David Warner and Steve Smith as they were banned from international cricket following sandpapergate in South Africa last year. The team under Tim Paine managed to win only one Test in the series in Perth after going down in the first game in Adelaide but, India managed to take the lead in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Kohli wished the Aussie team to do well in their upcoming fixtures and said that it is always a competitive side.
“Australia
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