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OTD: Virat Kohli Lifted Border-Gavaskar Trophy On Australian Soil After 71 Years

Virat Kohli lifts the Border-Gavaskar Trophy [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Virat Kohli lifts the Border-Gavaskar Trophy [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 turned out to be a game-changer for Indian cricket, as Virat Kohli led the team to a historic Test series victory Down Under on this very day, six years back. For ages, Australia felt like an unbeatable fortress for Indian teams, with their fast-paced pitches and challenging conditions testing even the most skilled players. However, under Kohli's fierce leadership, India broke the mould.

Going into the series, India had high hopes and a solid squad. Their batting lineup featured heavyweights like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and, of course, Kohli himself. The bowling department, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, was considered one of the best globally. 

Meanwhile, Australia was dealing with the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal, with stars Steve Smith and David Warner sidelined. Still, the home team’s fighting spirit and new faces like Travis Head and Marcus Harris posed a real threat.

How Did Virat Kohli And Co. Break The 71-year Old Jinx?

First Test At Adelaide

India kicked off the series with a nail-biting 31-run victory at the Adelaide Oval. Cheteshwar Pujara shone with a composed century in the first innings and then chipped in with 71 in the second, which was crucial for the win. Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin also stepped up with key wickets, while Kohli’s aggressive captaincy kept the team's spirits high.

Second Test At Perth

The second test saw Australia bounce back fiercely, handing India a 146-run defeat at Perth Stadium. Nathan Lyon’s exceptional bowling highlighted India’s struggles against quality spinners. Kohli, despite scoring an impressive 123 in the first innings, couldn’t find enough support from his teammates, leading to a costly loss.

Third Test At Melbourne

India took back control during the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pujara scored his second century of the series, and debutant Mayank Agarwal made valuable contributions, helping India post a strong total. Bumrah was on fire, taking 6 wickets for just 33 runs, crushing Australia’s batting lineup. India secured a 137-run victory, setting the stage for the decider.

Fourth Test At Sydney 

The final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground ended in a draw because of the rain, but India clearly dominated. Pujara played a marathon innings of 193, and Rishabh Pant added an explosive 159*, putting the Aussie bowlers on the back foot. Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul showed off India’s spin depth. The draw clinched the series for India, giving them a 2-1 victory and marking a significant chapter in cricket history.

The Pujara-Bumrah Factor That Helped India Claim The Series

While Kohli’s leadership got plenty of attention, Cheteshwar Pujara and Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the real stars of the series. Pujara's remarkable 521 runs at an average of 74.42 stunned the Australian bowlers, anchoring the innings in tough situations. Bumrah’s fiery performance, snagging 21 wickets, left the Aussie batters in a spin.

Kohli Left A Legacy

Virat Kohli as a captain, led the team from the front in the series. Kohli’s faith in his bowlers, shown through his strategic field placements and adjustments, was key in maximizing opportunities against Australia. 

For Kohli, this series affirmed his vision of creating a squad that thrived under pressure. As the team lifted the trophy at the SCG, they not only broke a 71-year-old jinx but also announced India's presence as a dominant force on the global cricket stage.