The Best of India in Australia, Part 4: Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Debut with Twin Tons in Adelaide

In 2014, Virat Kohli’s twin centuries in Adelaide marked a bold beginning to his Test captaincy and sent a powerful message to Australia: here was a new leader ready to challenge them on their own turf. Taking charge in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after MS Dhoni’s injury, Kohli's fearless performance was a turning point for Indian cricket.

The 2014-15 series was marked by tragedy, following the sudden loss of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, which brought a somber tone to the competition. However, the series soon became a tribute to Hughes’s memory, with Australia finding in India a worthy opponent who pushed them to their limits. It was clear early on that Kohli’s aggressive play would bring out the best in both sides.

India’s squad had changed significantly since their last Australian tour, replacing veterans like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Laxman with a younger lineup: Dhawan, Pujara, Kohli, Rahane, and Rohit. Although India aimed to reverse their recent poor form in Australia, the hosts took a strong lead by declaring at 517, led by centuries from David Warner, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith. India’s bowling faltered, unable to curb Australia’s strong start.

In response, India lost two wickets quickly but gained stability when Kohli took the crease, displaying the control and assurance that would come to define his leadership. Kohli’s brilliant 115, punctuated with 12 boundaries, was a masterclass in timing and aggression. With strong support from Pujara, Rohit, and Rahane, India managed a respectable 444.

Australia set a fourth-innings target of 364, and India’s pursuit saw early losses with both Dhawan and Pujara falling quickly. Kohli, however, stepped up again, attacking Australia’s bowlers with precision and intensity. His partnership with Murali Vijay produced 185 runs, bringing India within striking distance. However, Vijay fell just short of his century at 99, a pivotal moment that handed Australia the edge. Nathan Lyon capitalized on the breakthrough, dismissing Kohli, who fell while attempting to escalate the scoring. India ultimately lost by 48 runs, but the narrow defeat showed a new India, willing to challenge Australia aggressively.

Kohli’s back-to-back centuries, though not enough for victory, signaled a generational shift in Indian cricket. His performances on the tour, particularly going head-to-head with Steve Smith, who scored a century in every Test, underscored his competitive spirit and adaptability. Later that series, Kohli was named India’s permanent Test captain after MS Dhoni’s unexpected retirement.

Reflecting on that series in 2020, Kohli emphasized the importance of pushing limits, noting, “Although we didn’t cross the line being so close, it taught us that anything is possible if we put our mind to it.” Kohli’s words capture the essence of a defining era in Indian cricket, as his bold leadership laid the foundation for India’s eventual historic series win in Australia in 2018 and a resilient team that feels at home in Australia.