IAN CHAPPELL

For just the second time in 12 tours, India lead Australia 1-0 in a Test series. On both occasions the victory that claimed the lead was in Adelaide; the latest one gained by hard grafting cricket.

India’s recipe for victory was based on the mixture of Cheteshwar Pujara’s obstinate defiance and the accuracy and relentlessness of the bowling attack. The bowlers were backed by a capable performance from Rishabh Pant with the gloves.

The fact that India gained a hard-fought victory without a major contribution with the bat from Virat Kohli will just add to the sweetness of the triumph.

I have often said the difference between the average Indian and Australian fan is simple. If Sachin Tendulkar makes a hundred and India loses the fans are still happy. If Ricky Ponting makes a duck and Australia wins their fans are still happy. On this occasion, the Indian fans should be celebrating as this was a win for the ages despite Kohli’s failure with the bat.

Kohli’s captaincy in Adelaide was reminiscent of Ponting’s time at the top; he was conservative in his approach but achieved the desired result. Captaincy is a very subjective vocation and as long as the team wins, I doubt Kohli will be concerned with

Kohli’s captaincy was reminiscent of Ponting’s time at the top; he was conservative in his approach but achieved the desired result.