India captain Virat Kohli creates history in Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sep 1: Captain Virat Kohli created history today when he led India to a 2-1 Test series victory over Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground.

; Day 5 Report; Mishra sets record

In the 3rd and final Test on Tuesday, India defeated Sri Lanka by 117 runs for a 2-1 series win after 22 years in the island nation. Chasing 386, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 on the 5th and final day today. It was a superb comeback by India after losing the opening Test in Galle.

With this, Kohli became only the 2nd Indian skipper, after Mohamamd Azharuddin to win Test series in Sri Lanka. The last time India had won in Sri Lanka was in 1993 under the leadership of Azharuddin. (200 wickets for Ishant)

"I was told it has never been done. We have created a bit of history," said Kohli after the victory, referring to India's series success from 0-1 down. Kohli was also India's leading run scorer in the series with 233 runs from 6 innings with 1 hundred and a 1 half century.

For the 26-year-old Kohli, this was a record feat. In his first tour as a captain and player to Sri Lanka he has tasted success. This is also his first series win as a skipper. At 26 years and 300 days, Kohli is also the youngest Indian captain to win a series abroad. (Kohli becomes No. 1)

Also, this was only the second time that India had bounced back from 0-1 to win a 3-match Test rubber. The previous one was the famous series against Australia in 2001 at home.

Skipper Kohli's predecessors - Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and MS Dhoni had failed to win a Test series on Sri Lankan soil.

This was Kohli's 1st full series at the helm of a young team and he has started off in style.

India's Test series results in Sri Lanka

- Lost 0-1 (3-match series) - (Captain - Kapil Dev)

- Won 1-0 (3) (Mohammad Azharuddin)

- Drawn 0-0 (2) (Sachin Tendulkar)

(Asian Test Championship) - Drawn (1) (Azharuddin)

- Lost 1-2 (3) (Sourav Ganguly)

- Lost 1-2 (3) (Anil Kumble)

- Drawn 1-1 (3) (MS Dhoni)

- Won 2-1 (3) (Virat Kohli)

OneIndia News