3 Indian captains to win Test series in SENA countries in the 21st century

Virat Kohli (in Australia, 2018-19)

Virat Kohli's champions

Being touted by many as the favourites going into the series, probably the first time in history, Virat Kohli and co did exceptionally well to finally play to their potential and win the series after disappointing losses in South Africa and England last year.

Australia missing their regular skipper and his deputy did help the cause, but that does not take any credit away from the Indian team, who had a bowling lineup considered to be the best in the world at the moment.

India went into the series with a lot of confidence but had a number of issues as well. The out of form openers were a major concern, and the team combination which played a key role in India's loss in South Africa and England was an issue too. After winning the first Test at Adelaide, courtesy Pujara's century and a disciplined bowling attack, India once again faulted in the combination at Perth. India played with four pacers on a pitch where an Australian spinner won the player of the match.

With the series levelled, India went into Melbourne with a new opening combination, one who was playing his first international game and the other who was playing his third. After a gritty half-century by debutant Mayank, Pujara notched yet another crafty hundred as India declared at 443/7 on a difficult pitch.

Bumrah was then at his devastating best, skirting out Aussies for 151. India declared their second essay at 106/8, and convincingly defeated the home team despite the lone battle by Pat Cummins with both bat and ball.

The final Test at Sydney saw yet another gigantic score by India, much like the Melbourne Test, but this time the scoring rate was a lot faster. The rain-affected match, however, did not go in India's favour as only one session of play was possible in the final two days due to rain, with Australia being asked to follow-on for the first time since 2005, and the match ended in a draw.

With the 2-1 victory, India registered their maiden series win in Australia and Kohli became the first Indian skipper to achieve the feat.

South Africa remains the only country where India are yet to win a Test series. A draw in the 2010-11 series and the 2-1 loss in the 2018 series saw India come agonisingly close to break the shackles.

The series draws in England (2002), Australia (2003-04) under Ganguly and South Africa (2010-11) under Dhoni were also brilliant performances by the Indian team and deserve honourable mentions.