India have now won seven series on the trot and are on top of the Test rankings. © AFP
Two years ago, India were reeling at seventh spot in the ICC Rankings. They hadn't played a Test at home for more than a year, and had just lost a series in Australia. They had just seen their captain step down and faced uncertainty. Virat Kohli was to take over, and there were questions marks over his temperament.
Two years hence, India sit pretty at the top of the ladder and have opened up a good lead. Kohli brought in a brand of cricket to the team that's aggressive, ruthless and in your face. India ended their season with a series win over Australia to cap off one of their best phases in Test cricket. They have now won seven series on the trot, and currently hold the trophy over every other Test nation.
It's an achievement few would have thought possible. But given India's marathon home season, there was always a chance. In the just concluded season, India beat West Indies 2-0, blanked New Zealand 3-0, thumped England 4-0, saw off Bangladesh 1-0 and overcame Australia 2-1. A season of 17 Tests ended with 12 wins, four draws and 1 defeat. It saw them climb to top spot early, then lose it to Pakistan before wrenching it back and making it their own.
Anil Kumble had taken over just ahead of the season, and with his experience and purpose, he has forged together a group full of match-winners. The biggest positive for India will be that their core group has become big, and each one has the potential to change games and series. If before the start of the season, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin and R Jadeja were the pillars, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Cheteshwar Pujara, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami have become important cogs in the machine, too.
But now, firmly perched atop the rankings, India will have to show that they are indeed the number 1 side in the world by beating their opponents away from home. India are slated to tour Sri Lanka this year, while South Africa, England and Australia should follow soon after. If Kohli's side are able to prove away from home, they will go down as one of the great sides of the modern era.
"We are very happy with No. 1 ranking in the world, but our main challenge begins now. If we can conquer the overseas season, that's when you will see a broader smile on my face when I sit down for the press conference. To understand where we are placed and the kind of cricket we have played, and where we stand as individuals at the end of season, it makes me very happy as a captain," Kohli said after their series win over Australia.
The emergence of the pacers will be one of India's biggest takeaways - especially during this home stretch. Umesh has transformed into one of India's key bowlers, wreaking havoc with the new ball and old, to always keep India in the game. In the past twelve months, Umesh has really stepped up his game, taking 35 wickets in 14 Tests. More than the numbers, it is the impact that he has had on the game that would be most pleasing to see for India.
Shami has already proved that he is India's most skilful pacer, and should he manage to remain fit, India will have a potent pace attack for the long run. Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are good back up players to have too.
The coming of age of India's allrounders and the batting contributions of the lower order will give India hope when they travel away. Saha has been a revelation this season, scoring three hundreds and averaging 46. Ashwin and Jadeja too have scored plenty of important runs, and will give India the confidence that they can do well overseas.
Kohli and Pujara have become the linchpins of the batting line-up, but KL Rahul and Murali Vijay have become key members, too. India's only concern will be their number six and whether they should go in with six batters. Karun Nair has hit a triple hundred, but has done little else. Rohit Sharma missed most of the season through injury, while Shreyas Iyer has only been part of the Test squad once and didn't play. India will hope to find themselves a reliable number six as soon as possible.
"I can sit down and be proud of what the guys have been able to achieve since then and different aspects have come up - lower-order contributions, spinners have been outstanding throughout, fast bowlers have been brilliant, the batsmen have stepped up on many occasions. Different people. Not just one or two guys, but everyone has contributed throughout the season. If you don't have a team performance, you can't be the No. 1 team in the world. As simple as that.
"If you want to win more Test games, you have to have complete team performances. It's the main reason why we are sitting here as the No. 1 team in the world and we have quite a fair distance above the other teams. That makes me very proud as a captain and all the guys in the change room are very happy with what they have been able to achieve and ending the season on a high," Kohli said, while summing up the season.
It has been a season to remember for India, not only because of the results, but also thanks to the kind of quality cricket they put on display. There's a tougher phase ahead for Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble, and what they do will become this team's defining moment.
© Cricbuzz
