India vs Australia: Series win in Australia my biggest achievement, says Virat Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli: "We want to do the best for Indian cricket, and this is outstanding, but it's just a stepping stone."   -  GETTY IMAGES

India captain Virat Kohli termed his team’s historic 2-1 series win on Australia soil as his “biggest achievement”.

Eight summers back at the Wankhede, Kohli was the youngest member of a star-studded team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni which lifted the World Cup but the series win Down Under, according to him, will remain on “top of the pile”.

“By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw others getting emotional. This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we’ve been able to achieve is something to be really proud of,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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It was in Sydney that Kohli was anointed with permanent Test captaincy. “Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time," Kohli said before adding, "Only one word to say, I’m proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good. Definitely, we deserve to enjoy this moment."

He was all praise for Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s stand-out performer in the series apart from Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal and Rishabh Pant.

"Special mention to Pujara, he's been outstanding in the series, especially after his last time out in Australia. He's one guy willing to accept things, he works on his game, he's the nicest man around, and we feel happy for him. Special mention to Mayank Agarwal too, he stood up as a champion on Boxing Day," Kohli said.

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Just a stepping stone

Kohli also heaped praise on his bowlers. "The way the bowlers have dictated and dominated, not here but also in England and SA, it's something I haven't seen before. Hats off to them, the way they've prepared, their fitness levels, and their mindset.

"They discuss how to take wickets, and then they dictate their plans to me. It's a revelation in Indian cricket, and something for the bowlers at home to learn."

"This is just a stepping stone for us. The average age is quite low, but most importantly we had the belief: we had that in SA and in England, and when you're working in the right direction then God knows you're honest. We want to do the best for Indian cricket, and this is outstanding, but it's just a stepping stone."