Virat Kohli will never be able to replicate this MS Dhoni record against Australia

Mumbai: India’s 19-match unbeaten streak in Test cricket came to an end after Australia defeated the Virat Kohli-led side by 333 runs in the opening match of four-Test series in Pune. The loss to Australia at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium also robbed Kohli a chance to enjoy a Dhoni-like record playing against Aussies at home.

While Kohli has all the potential to become India’s most successful captain, following a defeat in Pune, he, like Dhoni, would never be able to have a clean slate, in terms of defeats against Australia, while playing at home.

Dhoni captained in three series against Australia at home and did not lose a Test. In 2008-09 series, India defeated the Ricky Ponting-led side 2-0 in a four-match series. As Australia travelled to India for 2-match series in 2010-11, the MS Dhoni-led side clean swept the Australian side 2-0. The records did not improve, if at all, they got worst as India gave 4-0 hammering to Michael Clarke-led side in 2012-13.

To sum up, Dhoni won 8 out of 10 Tests against Australia at home while 2 ended up in a draw. The Captain Cool, as he is fondly known, did not lose a single Test against Aussies on home turf.

While India, despite losing the opening Test against Steve Smith and Co, are still favourites to bag the ongoing series, Kohli will never be able to have a Dhoni-like record as Indian Test skipper while playing against Australia in India.