New Delhi: Virat Kohli-led India were given a reality check by the visiting Australian side as Steve Smith's men registered a comprehensive 333-run win in the first Test. With the shocking defeat, India's 19-match unbeaten run at home also came to an end.
The defeat was a reality check for the Indian team, who looked invincible during their long home season.
Since being appointed as the skipper of the Test team, Kohli had not tasted defeats on many occasions. While the Aussies overshadowed India in all departments of the game in Pune, the loss also ensured that Kohli will no longer be able to match a record set by former captain MS Dhoni.
Dhoni, who played 88 Tests for India, remained unbeaten against the Aussies on home soil. The Ranchi-born cricketer led India against Australia in eight matches at home, winning all of them.
In 2008/09, Dhoni led the team to a 2-0 series win over Australia. Things were no different for the team from Down Under in 2010/11 as they lost another series by the same margin.
In 2012/13, India hammered the Aussies 4-0, in a series which saw Dhoni hitting a power-packed double ton.
Kohli, who has been in sublime form across formats lately, had a forgettable Test match at Pune, where he also registered his maiden duck on home soil. In the first innings, Kohli edged a wide ball from Mitchell Starc into Smith's hands.
In the second innings, where the hosts were given a huge 441-run target, Kohli failed to read a straight ball from Steve O'Keefe which possibly was the final nail in the coffin.
The second Test is scheduled to be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore from March 4.
