India created history by winning their second successive Test series in Australia during the 2020/21 tour. After the first Test, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Virat Kohli-led India were trailing 1-0 post a shambolic performance in the opening match, which they lost by eight wickets.

After the series opener loss, India were without regular captain Kohli, who travelled back home for the birth of his first child. Hence, Ajinkya Rahane was the stand-in captain and&nbsp;had plethora of young guns at his disposal as India hoped for a turnaround. The visitors battled several odds -- injuries, reports of alleged bio-bubble breach, sledging, racial abuse, etc. -- to not only bounce back in style and but also ended&nbsp;Australia's 32-year-old unbeaten streak at The Gabba, Brisbane in the series decider to eventually win 2-1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-had-tears-rolling-tim-paine-recalls-md-sirajs-racism-incident-during-india-australia-sydney-test-490147">'He had tears rolling...': Tim Paine recalls Md Siraj's racism incident during India-Australia Sydney Test</a>

In a recently-released documentary Badon mein tha Dum, celebrating India's historic series triumph Down Under in 2020/21, Rishabh Pant -- the then second-highest run-getter for the visitors -- shared an untold story about Shubman Gill. In a 328-run chase, on the final day of the series, Indian opener Gill scored a magnificent 91 to lay the foundation before Pant's 89 not out and Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty 56 took India home in the Brisbane Test.

Missing out on his maiden Test ton, Gill was livid with himself and Pant spoke about his reaction after being dismissed. "Gill and I had discussed that we wanted to win the match and not just draw it. Gill was hitting the pull shot, the cut shot. I was feeling happy because we had discussed it. In my mind, I had only one thought that we have to win. When Gill got out, he was furious after he came back. He was shouting, 'What have I done?' and was cursing himself. I told him… 'Don't worry, you have batted well'," said Pant on the docudrama.

Currently, both Pant and Gill are part of India's Test line-up, which is gearing up for their rescheduled fifth and final match versus Ben Stokes-led England, on July 1 in Edgbaston. The duo will now look to take India to their first-ever series win on English soil since 2007 as India lead the incomplete five-match Tests 2-1.

India created history by winning their second successive Test series in Australia during the 2020/21 tour. After the first Test, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Virat Kohli-led India were trailing 1-0 post a shambolic performance in the opening match, which they lost by eight wickets.

India created history by winning their second successive Test series in Australia during the 2020/21 tour. After the first Test, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Virat Kohli-led India were trailing 1-0 post a shambolic performance in the opening match, which they lost by eight wickets. After the series opener loss, India were without regular captain Kohli, who travelled back home for the birth of his first child. Hence, Ajinkya Rahane was the stand-in captain and had plethora of young guns at his disposal as India hoped for a turnaround. The visitors battled several odds -- injuries, reports of alleged bio-bubble breach, sledging, racial abuse, etc. -- to not only bounce back in style and but also ended Australia's 32-year-old unbeaten streak at The Gabba, Brisbane in the series decider to eventually win 2-1. ALSO READ | 'He had tears rolling...': Tim Paine recalls Md Siraj's racism incident during India-Australia Sydney Test In a recently-released documentary Badon mein tha Dum, celebrating India's historic series triumph Down Under in 2020/21, Rishabh Pant -- the then second-highest run-getter for the visitors -- shared an untold story about Shubman Gill. In a 328-run chase, on the final day of the series, Indian opener Gill scored a magnificent 91 to lay the foundation before Pant's 89 not out and Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty 56 took India home in the Brisbane Test. Missing out on his maiden Test ton, Gill was livid with himself and Pant spoke about his reaction after being dismissed. "Gill and I had discussed that we wanted to win the match and not just draw it. Gill was hitting the pull shot, the cut shot. I was feeling happy because we had discussed it. In my mind, I had only one thought that we have to win. When Gill got out, he was furious after he came back. He was shouting, 'What have I done?' and was cursing himself. I told him… 'Don't worry, you have batted well'," said Pant on the docudrama. Currently, both Pant and Gill are part of India's Test line-up, which is gearing up for their rescheduled fifth and final match versus Ben Stokes-led England, on July 1 in Edgbaston. The duo will now look to take India to their first-ever series win on English soil since 2007 as India lead the incomplete five-match Tests 2-1.

He shouted 'What have...': Pant recalls Gill's reaction after falling for 91 during Brisbane Test run-chase

The India-Australia four-match Test series, in 2020/21, was&nbsp;intensely fought. After losing the series opener in Adelaide, by eight wickets, the Indian team was without regular captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series in Australia.

With Ajinkya Rahane leading the side, there were a host of youngsters in the squad who battled several odds -- racial slur, sledging and injuries -- to triumph 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. In the recently-released docudrama series on India's emphatic series win in Australia, the then Aussie skipper Tim Paine recalled the racism incident that affected Siraj in the drawn third and penultimate&nbsp;Sydney Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pretty-selfish-they-put-paine-on-team-india-stars-alleged-bio-bubble-breach-during-202021-tests-489119">'Pretty selfish, they put....' - Paine on Team India stars' alleged bio-bubble breach during 2020/21 Tests</a>

During the match, Siraj was subjected to racial abuse by some section of the Aussie fans. When it happened again, he reported the matter to his stand-in captain Rahane as the match was halted for a bit, before the officials asked the particular section of the fans to vacate the stands. Recalling the infamous episode, Paint said on the&nbsp;documentary&nbsp;Bandon mein tha dum,&nbsp;"I still remember walking up to Siraj, he actually had tears in his eyes and tears rolling down his cheeks. So it obviously really affected him and cut him really deep. This is a kid, who has just gone through the death of his father. And then to have that I just thought was uncalled for.

"Traditionally in Australia we have been pretty good at how we treat our visiting cricketing teams. So to see it happen again was disappointing," Paine added.

Despite the incident, Siraj continued to shine for India with the ball in hand. As a result, he ended with 13 wickets -- most by an Indian in the series -- and also claimed his maiden five-fer in the final Test to be one of India's main heroes in their historic series win.&nbsp;

The India-Australia four-match Test series, in 2020/21, was intensely fought. After losing the series opener in Adelaide, by eight wickets, the Indian team was without regular captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series in Australia.

The India-Australia four-match Test series, in 2020/21, was intensely fought. After losing the series opener in Adelaide, by eight wickets, the Indian team was without regular captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series in Australia. With Ajinkya Rahane leading the side, there were a host of youngsters in the squad who battled several odds -- racial slur, sledging and injuries -- to triumph 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. In the recently-released docudrama series on India's emphatic series win in Australia, the then Aussie skipper Tim Paine recalled the racism incident that affected Siraj in the drawn third and penultimate Sydney Test. ALSO READ | 'Pretty selfish, they put....' - Paine on Team India stars' alleged bio-bubble breach during 2020/21 Tests During the match, Siraj was subjected to racial abuse by some section of the Aussie fans. When it happened again, he reported the matter to his stand-in captain Rahane as the match was halted for a bit, before the officials asked the particular section of the fans to vacate the stands. Recalling the infamous episode, Paint said on the documentary Bandon mein tha dum, "I still remember walking up to Siraj, he actually had tears in his eyes and tears rolling down his cheeks. So it obviously really affected him and cut him really deep. This is a kid, who has just gone through the death of his father. And then to have that I just thought was uncalled for. "Traditionally in Australia we have been pretty good at how we treat our visiting cricketing teams. So to see it happen again was disappointing," Paine added. Despite the incident, Siraj continued to shine for India with the ball in hand. As a result, he ended with 13 wickets -- most by an Indian in the series -- and also claimed his maiden five-fer in the final Test to be one of India's main heroes in their historic series win.

'He had tears rolling...': Tim Paine recalls Md Siraj's racism incident during India-Australia Sydney Test

The India-Australia Test series was full of action, drama and entertainment during the 2020/21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. While India defied all odds to beat Australia, 2-1, after a disastrous show in the opening Test, the series was filled with various sledging episodes, racial abuse, alleged bio-bubble breach, etc.

Ahead of the third and penultimate&nbsp;Test, at the SCG, Sydney, Team India star players -- Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Navdeep Saini -- were caught in a huge controversy after an image went viral with all four of them sitting inside a restaurant, breaching the bio-bubble rules for the four-match Test series Down Under. It became a huge talking point before BCCI denied all such claims.

As per the bio-bubble rules back, the cricketers were&nbsp;allowed to dine out at a restaurant. However, they&nbsp;were told to avoid sitting indoors, to eliminate the chances of contracting the deadly COVID-19 virus.&nbsp;

In the docu-series Bandon Mein Tha Dum, Tim Paine -- who was captaining Australia back then -- blamed the Indian players for putting the entire series at risk.

"I mean those 4-5 guys put the whole Test series at risk. For what? For a bowl of Nando’s, chips or wherever they went, like I just find that pretty selfish to be honest,” said Paine, who was succeeded by Pat Cummins as the Aussie Test captain following his sexting scandal last year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-recalls-intense-sledging-episode-with-paine-shares-story-behind-that-will-be-your-last-series-remark-489019">Ashwin recalls intense sledging episode with Paine, shares story behind 'that will be your last series' remark</a>

Even Cummins reacted in the docu-series and stated, “It did annoy quite a few of the boys. Especially the ones who had to spend a Christmas without their families. That was sacrificing quite a bit to be there on that tour to hear that the other team were flouting the rules and not taking it as seriously."

<section>
India's then stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane defended his troops saying, "The players who appeared in the pictures were actually waiting for their takeaway order. Due to bad weather, they had to wait inside. The story that appeared in the news was really wrong."

Amid many on and off-field drama, the India-Australia series was one for the ages, where a second-stringed Indian team defeated Australia to win their second successive series in whites on the Aussie soil.
</section>

The India-Australia Test series was full of action, drama and entertainment during the 2020/21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. While India defied all odds to beat Australia, 2-1, after a disastrous show in the opening Test, the series was filled with various sledging episodes, racial abuse, alleged bio-bubble breach, etc.

The India-Australia Test series was full of action, drama and entertainment during the 2020/21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. While India defied all odds to beat Australia, 2-1, after a disastrous show in the opening Test, the series was filled with various sledging episodes, racial abuse, alleged bio-bubble breach, etc. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test, at the SCG, Sydney, Team India star players -- Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Navdeep Saini -- were caught in a huge controversy after an image went viral with all four of them sitting inside a restaurant, breaching the bio-bubble rules for the four-match Test series Down Under. It became a huge talking point before BCCI denied all such claims. As per the bio-bubble rules back, the cricketers were allowed to dine out at a restaurant. However, they were told to avoid sitting indoors, to eliminate the chances of contracting the deadly COVID-19 virus. In the docu-series Bandon Mein Tha Dum, Tim Paine -- who was captaining Australia back then -- blamed the Indian players for putting the entire series at risk. "I mean those 4-5 guys put the whole Test series at risk. For what? For a bowl of Nando’s, chips or wherever they went, like I just find that pretty selfish to be honest,” said Paine, who was succeeded by Pat Cummins as the Aussie Test captain following his sexting scandal last year. ALSO READ | Ashwin recalls intense sledging episode with Paine, shares story behind 'that will be your last series' remark Even Cummins reacted in the docu-series and stated, “It did annoy quite a few of the boys. Especially the ones who had to spend a Christmas without their families. That was sacrificing quite a bit to be there on that tour to hear that the other team were flouting the rules and not taking it as seriously." India's then stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane defended his troops saying, "The players who appeared in the pictures were actually waiting for their takeaway order. Due to bad weather, they had to wait inside. The story that appeared in the news was really wrong." Amid many on and off-field drama, the India-Australia series was one for the ages, where a second-stringed Indian team defeated Australia to win their second successive series in whites on the Aussie soil.

'Pretty selfish, they put....' - Paine on Team India stars' alleged bio-bubble breach during 2020/21 Tests

India and Australia played a humdinger of a four-match Test in 2020-21. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, India stormed their way back following a disastrous performance in the opening Test, in Adelaide, to first level the series in Melbourne, secure a draw in the third and penultimate Test before winning the series decider at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Moreover, India's victory came sans then regular captain Virat Kohli, who only captained the team in the series opener before returning back to India for the birth of his first child. Hence, then vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped up as a leader, marshalled his troops, led from the front with a memorable 112 at the MCG as India won their second successive Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the series didn't start well for Rahane. On Day 1 of the opening Test, Rahane-Kohli were going well, after India opted to bat first in Adelaide, as visitors&nbsp;were 188-3 during the final session. With a handy 88-run stand for the fourth wicket, Kohli-Rahane were dictating terms before a horrible mix-up led to the skipper's dismissal (74).

Rahane&nbsp;drove a Nathan Lyon delivery to the left of mid-off and ran before bailing out, leaving Kohli stranded in the middle. Thus, the right-hander recently recalled the horrible run-out and revealed how it affected him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-he-still-playing-cricket-with-same-motivation-afridi-talks-about-attitude-as-he-dwells-on-kohlis-form-488449">'Is he still playing cricket with same motivation?' Afridi talks about 'attitude' as he dwells on Kohli's form</a>

"I don’t think I can ever forget that moment, or anyone can. When the ball hit my bat, I didn’t realise how well I had timed the ball. And I thought it was an easy single, it was an instinctive call, but when I took a couple of steps, then I realised the ball was next to Josh Hazlewood who was a mid-on. It was right under his hand," Rahane revealed in the first episode of Voot Select's series, Bandon mein tha dum.

"Then I had to say no. Even before Kohli got out, I knew that this could be a game-changing moment and that’s when I had that reaction. I immediately said sorry to him. I knew it could have been the turning point in the game, and that’s what happened. My mind was continuously thinking of that run-out. Generally, I play that ball to mid-on (on his own dismissal, off Mitchell Starc) but because of what happened 2-3 overs, my mind was completely blank," mentioned Rahane who fell for 42 soon after Kohli's departure.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-vice-captain-kl-rahul-to-miss-england-tour-to-leave-for-germany-for-treatment-report-488733">Indian vice-captain KL Rahul to miss England tour, to leave for Germany for treatment: Report</a>

"When I went inside the dressing room, I went to him and 'said sorry'. He said 'it's fine, these things happen, don't worry. We have the second innings, we will stitch another partnership and take the team forward'. But somehow, I felt from the inside that it was the moment that could change the game. Had that run-out not happened, the game could have gone in a different direction," Rahane added.

From 188-3, India were dismissed for 244 all-out and despite a vital 53-run lead, the visitors fell for 36 in their second essay to lose the first Test by eight wickets. While many had predicted a whitewash of the Indians following the result, with them also being without Kohli, however, Rahane &amp; Co. stunned one and all and went onto claim the series 2-1.

India and Australia played a humdinger of a four-match Test in 2020-21. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, India stormed their way back following a disastrous performance in the opening Test, in Adelaide, to first level the series in Melbourne, secure a draw in the third and penultimate Test before winning the series decider at The Gabba, Brisbane.

India and Australia played a humdinger of a four-match Test in 2020-21. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, India stormed their way back following a disastrous performance in the opening Test, in Adelaide, to first level the series in Melbourne, secure a draw in the third and penultimate Test before winning the series decider at The Gabba, Brisbane. Moreover, India's victory came sans then regular captain Virat Kohli, who only captained the team in the series opener before returning back to India for the birth of his first child. Hence, then vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped up as a leader, marshalled his troops, led from the front with a memorable 112 at the MCG as India won their second successive Test series on Australian soil. Nonetheless, the series didn't start well for Rahane. On Day 1 of the opening Test, Rahane-Kohli were going well, after India opted to bat first in Adelaide, as visitors were 188-3 during the final session. With a handy 88-run stand for the fourth wicket, Kohli-Rahane were dictating terms before a horrible mix-up led to the skipper's dismissal (74). Rahane drove a Nathan Lyon delivery to the left of mid-off and ran before bailing out, leaving Kohli stranded in the middle. Thus, the right-hander recently recalled the horrible run-out and revealed how it affected him. ALSO READ | 'Is he still playing cricket with same motivation?' Afridi talks about 'attitude' as he dwells on Kohli's form "I don’t think I can ever forget that moment, or anyone can. When the ball hit my bat, I didn’t realise how well I had timed the ball. And I thought it was an easy single, it was an instinctive call, but when I took a couple of steps, then I realised the ball was next to Josh Hazlewood who was a mid-on. It was right under his hand," Rahane revealed in the first episode of Voot Select's series, Bandon mein tha dum. "Then I had to say no. Even before Kohli got out, I knew that this could be a game-changing moment and that’s when I had that reaction. I immediately said sorry to him. I knew it could have been the turning point in the game, and that’s what happened. My mind was continuously thinking of that run-out. Generally, I play that ball to mid-on (on his own dismissal, off Mitchell Starc) but because of what happened 2-3 overs, my mind was completely blank," mentioned Rahane who fell for 42 soon after Kohli's departure. ALSO READ | Indian vice-captain KL Rahul to miss England tour, to leave for Germany for treatment: Report "When I went inside the dressing room, I went to him and 'said sorry'. He said 'it's fine, these things happen, don't worry. We have the second innings, we will stitch another partnership and take the team forward'. But somehow, I felt from the inside that it was the moment that could change the game. Had that run-out not happened, the game could have gone in a different direction," Rahane added. From 188-3, India were dismissed for 244 all-out and despite a vital 53-run lead, the visitors fell for 36 in their second essay to lose the first Test by eight wickets. While many had predicted a whitewash of the Indians following the result, with them also being without Kohli, however, Rahane & Co. stunned one and all and went onto claim the series 2-1.

'I knew this could be a game-changing moment' - Rahane recalls mix-up with Virat Kohli in Adelaide Test

India and Australia were engaged in a gruelling four-match Test series in 2020/21 Down Under. During the last edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Australia, India had their back against the wall at most times but found ways to stage a comeback at all times to eventually beat the then Tim Paine-led Australia 2-1 in their own backyard and retain the BG Trophy.

After being 1-0 down following the series opener defeat, India was without then regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was out on maternity leave -- but defied all odds to emerge on top eventually. Under Ajinkya Rahane, India levelled the series in the second Test, at the MCG, and then pulled off a&nbsp;heist to save the third and penultimate encounter before winning the series finale by three wickets.&nbsp;

Recently, R Ashwin recalled India's miraculous SCG Test escape, where his and Hanuma Vihari's unbeaten 62-run sixth-wicket stand saved the visitors from the jaws of defeats. "It was surprising to me that I went bowling after the injury with painkillers. And bowled 13 or 14 over on the trot. It was so bad I was rolling on the floor because of the pain. My wife and kids helped me to stand and then the Physio came to check me. I went to the game crawling, but did my best," Ashwin told ANI.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disappointing-that-people-make-such-comments-question-saha-on-quitting-bengal-ranji-team-484769">'Disappointing that people make such comments &amp; question....' - Saha on quitting Bengal Ranji team</a>

The 62-run stand between Ashwin and Vihari helped India save the Test match when they were asked to chase 407. At one stage, India were 250-3 and on the attack courtesy of Rishabh Pant's 97 and Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty 77. However, their dismissals exposed India's lower order, filled with injured players such as Ravindra Jadeja, Vihari, and Ashwin.

Recalling how Vihari and he&nbsp;came up with a strategy to not let Australia break their stand, Ashwin added, "We both got comfortable the instant we went in. We realised what problem we had, he could not come forward and be going on the backfoot. He was struggling from the hamstring injury. When I went to the crease I could not go forward against the fast bowlers. So in that situation, I said we will rotate and see how this will work."

Young guns&nbsp;such as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Md Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Pant, etc. made a mark to star in India's memorable 2-1 win over Australia.

India and Australia were engaged in a gruelling four-match Test series in 2020/21 Down Under. During the last edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Australia, India had their back against the wall at most times but found ways to stage a comeback at all times to eventually beat the then Tim Paine-led Australia 2-1 in their own backyard and retain the BG Trophy.

India and Australia were engaged in a gruelling four-match Test series in 2020/21 Down Under. During the last edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Australia, India had their back against the wall at most times but found ways to stage a comeback at all times to eventually beat the then Tim Paine-led Australia 2-1 in their own backyard and retain the BG Trophy. After being 1-0 down following the series opener defeat, India was without then regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was out on maternity leave -- but defied all odds to emerge on top eventually. Under Ajinkya Rahane, India levelled the series in the second Test, at the MCG, and then pulled off a heist to save the third and penultimate encounter before winning the series finale by three wickets. Recently, R Ashwin recalled India's miraculous SCG Test escape, where his and Hanuma Vihari's unbeaten 62-run sixth-wicket stand saved the visitors from the jaws of defeats. "It was surprising to me that I went bowling after the injury with painkillers. And bowled 13 or 14 over on the trot. It was so bad I was rolling on the floor because of the pain. My wife and kids helped me to stand and then the Physio came to check me. I went to the game crawling, but did my best," Ashwin told ANI. ALSO READ | 'Disappointing that people make such comments & question....' - Saha on quitting Bengal Ranji team The 62-run stand between Ashwin and Vihari helped India save the Test match when they were asked to chase 407. At one stage, India were 250-3 and on the attack courtesy of Rishabh Pant's 97 and Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty 77. However, their dismissals exposed India's lower order, filled with injured players such as Ravindra Jadeja, Vihari, and Ashwin. Recalling how Vihari and he came up with a strategy to not let Australia break their stand, Ashwin added, "We both got comfortable the instant we went in. We realised what problem we had, he could not come forward and be going on the backfoot. He was struggling from the hamstring injury. When I went to the crease I could not go forward against the fast bowlers. So in that situation, I said we will rotate and see how this will work." Young guns such as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Md Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Pant, etc. made a mark to star in India's memorable 2-1 win over Australia.

My wife and kids helped me to stand: R Ashwin recalls India's miraculous escape in SCG Test

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the&nbsp;African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root &amp; Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom.

The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli &amp; Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-shami-or-mohammed-siraj-aakash-chopra-names-indias-no-1-pacer-in-tests-441347">Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests</a>

"New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv.

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Scenes from Centurion 👌<a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a> goes behind the scenes post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 
 
Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/oKyGhm0MxF">pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1476564857419825155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-look-at-plethora-of-records-achieved-by-virat-kohli-as-india-thrash-south-africa-in-centurion-441243">A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion</a>

"Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added.

The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation.

The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014).

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane. Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root & Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom. The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli & Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests "New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv. Scenes from Centurion 👌https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ goes behind the scenes post #TeamIndia's historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2021 × ALSO READ | A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion "Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added. The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation. The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021

India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under.

During the series, India managed to keep Steve Smith at bay -- despite him scoring a century in the third Test -- as the wily off-spinner R Ashwin got the better of the former Aussie captain on three occasions. Recently, the 35-year-old spinner Ashwin opened up on his duel with Smith and how he managed to keep him quiet with the bat for most part of the epic series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/difficult-to-maintain-former-indian-cricketers-reacts-to-r-ashwins-remark-on-ravi-shastri-438965">'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers reacts to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri</a>

Speaking to&nbsp;ESPN Cricinfo, Ashwin said, "I made him (Steve Smith) my obsession for about six months, not just two weeks or three weeks. Just footage, just watching different matches. The most recent series they played (before India toured Australia in 2020-21) was New Zealand. I went through every single day's play. I would go on to my app and check - how many runs was (Marnus) Labuschagne batting on when Will Somerville came on to bowl? Which ball did he hit over the cow corner?"

"As a spinner, you need to be very precise in Australia. Every run you give must be on your own terms. So whenever Marnus Labuschagne steps out, he hits the ball over cow corner for an offspinner, or he hits it over mid-off. It's very rare through long-on. And he doesn't have a flat sweep, he has a lap sweep, like a paddle. All these shots have a trigger. And it's very fine. If you don't know or if you've not seen enough footage, you cannot pick these things up. And with Steve Smith, his batting is very momentum-driven. Most of his batting comes from his hands, so my whole idea was to disturb his hands through the series. He's got certain hand-movement patterns. You have to pick them and be able to bowl in a way that disturbs his hand pattern. So I bowled with different load-ups, different speeds, different run-ups and all that. I realised I kind of got to him," Ashwin further elaborated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-contemplated-giving-up-the-sport-r-ashwin-admits-to-have-thought-of-retirement-between-2018-20-438664">I contemplated giving up the sport: R Ashwin admits to have thought of retirement between 2018-20</a>

With no Kohli for the last three Tests, many experts and former cricketers hadn't given Team India any chance going forward after the Adelaide Test drubbing. Nonetheless, the likes of Rahane (MCG Test ton), Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stood tall in various crucial junctures to bail India out and come from behind to win the series 2-1. Ashwin, in particular, was one of the key players for India, ending as the side's second-highest wicket-taker (11) after Siraj (13).

At present, Ashwin is gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa in the African nation. The first Test commences on December 26 in Centurion.&nbsp;

India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under.

India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under. During the series, India managed to keep Steve Smith at bay -- despite him scoring a century in the third Test -- as the wily off-spinner R Ashwin got the better of the former Aussie captain on three occasions. Recently, the 35-year-old spinner Ashwin opened up on his duel with Smith and how he managed to keep him quiet with the bat for most part of the epic series. ALSO READ | 'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers reacts to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Ashwin said, "I made him (Steve Smith) my obsession for about six months, not just two weeks or three weeks. Just footage, just watching different matches. The most recent series they played (before India toured Australia in 2020-21) was New Zealand. I went through every single day's play. I would go on to my app and check - how many runs was (Marnus) Labuschagne batting on when Will Somerville came on to bowl? Which ball did he hit over the cow corner?" "As a spinner, you need to be very precise in Australia. Every run you give must be on your own terms. So whenever Marnus Labuschagne steps out, he hits the ball over cow corner for an offspinner, or he hits it over mid-off. It's very rare through long-on. And he doesn't have a flat sweep, he has a lap sweep, like a paddle. All these shots have a trigger. And it's very fine. If you don't know or if you've not seen enough footage, you cannot pick these things up. And with Steve Smith, his batting is very momentum-driven. Most of his batting comes from his hands, so my whole idea was to disturb his hands through the series. He's got certain hand-movement patterns. You have to pick them and be able to bowl in a way that disturbs his hand pattern. So I bowled with different load-ups, different speeds, different run-ups and all that. I realised I kind of got to him," Ashwin further elaborated. ALSO READ | I contemplated giving up the sport: R Ashwin admits to have thought of retirement between 2018-20 With no Kohli for the last three Tests, many experts and former cricketers hadn't given Team India any chance going forward after the Adelaide Test drubbing. Nonetheless, the likes of Rahane (MCG Test ton), Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stood tall in various crucial junctures to bail India out and come from behind to win the series 2-1. Ashwin, in particular, was one of the key players for India, ending as the side's second-highest wicket-taker (11) after Siraj (13). At present, Ashwin is gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa in the African nation. The first Test commences on December 26 in Centurion.

Made him my obsession: Ashwin reveals how he got the better of Steve Smith in 2020/21 IND-AUS series

Suryakumar Yadav has done the hardyards to represent Team India. Being groomed in the Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) setup, SKY returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2018 and his career changed from thereon. From IPL 2018-2020, the right-hander was in stunning form for the Rohit Sharma-led MI line-up, amassing over 400 runs in each season.

Despite his IPL heroics, and also some good outings in the domestic circuit, the right-hander had to toil hard to break into the national side. During his rich form in IPL 2020, Team India's limited-overs squad was announced for the Australia tour. While many thought he would be included, SKY wasn't named in the squad. Recently, the MI batter opened up on his long wait to enter the Indian team.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-led-team-india-to-host-afghanistan-for-three-odis-before-ipl-2022-436892">Rohit Sharma-led Team India to host Afghanistan for three ODIs before IPL 2022</a>

The 31-year-old in a recent chat with cricket presenter Vikram Sathaye told,&nbsp;"Almost half the IPL was over (in 2020) before that match (against RCB) happened. I still remember, the Indian team (for the tour of Australia) was going to be announced. I had a good IPL 2019 and 2020 season, and I scored runs in domestic cricket as well," said the right-handed batter.

"I expected that I would get a call. It was not an arrogant thought like ‘yes, I am going to get a call’. But, back of the mind, there was this hope that the long wait would end. When I saw the squad, and my name was not in it, I was a little disappointed. From my side, I was trying to do everything. I took my wife to the beach for walks, and missed a few practice sessions, as I was thinking about that (not being selected) only,” he added.&nbsp;

He further stated, "One day, Mahela and Zak came up to me, and said that this was the perfect opportunity to prove myself as it was MI vs RCB. I said, ok, but back of the mind, I was lost and disappointed. I didn’t know what was happening even as the trainers and captain were speaking to me."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-hasnt-sent-any-formal-request-to-miss-sa-odis-reveals-bcci-official-436882">Virat Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to miss SA ODIs, reveals BCCI official</a>

SKY finally debuted for India during the England T20Is at home early this year. He made a mark in his first-ever appearance for the Men in Blue, opening his account in international cricket with a blazing six off Jofra Archer. He was also named the Player-of-the-Series in Shikhar Dhawan-led India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021.&nbsp;

Despite an ordinary IPL 2021, SKY has been retained by the MI franchise for IPL 2022. Moreover, he will hope to continue piling up runs for Team India in their upcoming assignments in the shorter formats and cement his spot.

Suryakumar Yadav has done the hardyards to represent Team India. Being groomed in the Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) setup, SKY returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2018 and his career changed from thereon.

Suryakumar Yadav has done the hardyards to represent Team India. Being groomed in the Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) setup, SKY returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2018 and his career changed from thereon. From IPL 2018-2020, the right-hander was in stunning form for the Rohit Sharma-led MI line-up, amassing over 400 runs in each season. Despite his IPL heroics, and also some good outings in the domestic circuit, the right-hander had to toil hard to break into the national side. During his rich form in IPL 2020, Team India's limited-overs squad was announced for the Australia tour. While many thought he would be included, SKY wasn't named in the squad. Recently, the MI batter opened up on his long wait to enter the Indian team. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma-led Team India to host Afghanistan for three ODIs before IPL 2022 The 31-year-old in a recent chat with cricket presenter Vikram Sathaye told, "Almost half the IPL was over (in 2020) before that match (against RCB) happened. I still remember, the Indian team (for the tour of Australia) was going to be announced. I had a good IPL 2019 and 2020 season, and I scored runs in domestic cricket as well," said the right-handed batter. "I expected that I would get a call. It was not an arrogant thought like ‘yes, I am going to get a call’. But, back of the mind, there was this hope that the long wait would end. When I saw the squad, and my name was not in it, I was a little disappointed. From my side, I was trying to do everything. I took my wife to the beach for walks, and missed a few practice sessions, as I was thinking about that (not being selected) only,” he added. He further stated, "One day, Mahela and Zak came up to me, and said that this was the perfect opportunity to prove myself as it was MI vs RCB. I said, ok, but back of the mind, I was lost and disappointed. I didn’t know what was happening even as the trainers and captain were speaking to me." ALSO READ | Virat Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to miss SA ODIs, reveals BCCI official SKY finally debuted for India during the England T20Is at home early this year. He made a mark in his first-ever appearance for the Men in Blue, opening his account in international cricket with a blazing six off Jofra Archer. He was also named the Player-of-the-Series in Shikhar Dhawan-led India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021. Despite an ordinary IPL 2021, SKY has been retained by the MI franchise for IPL 2022. Moreover, he will hope to continue piling up runs for Team India in their upcoming assignments in the shorter formats and cement his spot.

I was lost and disappointed: Suryakumar Yadav on late Team India call-up despite IPL heroics

Wives, girlfriends and kids would be able to accompany Indian cricketers on their tour of Australia with as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has verbally assured the players of the same. The BCCI was reluctant to allow families amid tough quarantine restrictions in Australia but reconsidered their position after requests from senior players.

Had the BCCI not managed to convince Cricket Australia to allow a touring group of as many as 60 members, some of the players would have been without their respective families for almost six months.

“A few Indian players had requested us to allow family because some of them didn’t bring their wives to UAE,” a BCCI official said. 
“We have informally informed players that they can take their families. Their families’ passport details have been taken,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-vs-india-full-schedule-dates-venues-and-all-you-need-to-know-338518">Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know</a>

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to depart to Australia by a charter flight from Dubai following the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the touring party will have to undergo 14 days quarantine period in Sydney, they will be allowed to train and use practice facilities after seven days.

is on players if they want their families to return to India after the ODI series or stay with them till the entire tour is over.&nbsp;

“The board has arranged a chartered flight for those players who will not be part of the Test squad. They will fly back to India after a one-day series. It’s up to players whether they want to send their families after one-dayers or after a Test series gets over,” official added.

India will lock horns with Australia in three T20Is as many ODIs and four Test matches against Australia from November 27.

Wives, girlfriends and kids would be able to accompany Indian cricketers on their tour of Australia with as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has verbally assured the players of the same.

Wives, girlfriends and kids would be able to accompany Indian cricketers on their tour of Australia with as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has verbally assured the players of the same. The BCCI was reluctant to allow families amid tough quarantine restrictions in Australia but reconsidered their position after requests from senior players. Had the BCCI not managed to convince Cricket Australia to allow a touring group of as many as 60 members, some of the players would have been without their respective families for almost six months. “A few Indian players had requested us to allow family because some of them didn’t bring their wives to UAE,” a BCCI official said. “We have informally informed players that they can take their families. Their families’ passport details have been taken,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know The Indian cricket team is scheduled to depart to Australia by a charter flight from Dubai following the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the touring party will have to undergo 14 days quarantine period in Sydney, they will be allowed to train and use practice facilities after seven days. is on players if they want their families to return to India after the ODI series or stay with them till the entire tour is over. “The board has arranged a chartered flight for those players who will not be part of the Test squad. They will fly back to India after a one-day series. It’s up to players whether they want to send their families after one-dayers or after a Test series gets over,” official added. India will lock horns with Australia in three T20Is as many ODIs and four Test matches against Australia from November 27.

Families of Indian players allowed for Australia tour, assures BCCI

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has said that there is 9 out 10 chance that India will visit Australia for a four-match Test series later in the year 2020 as he downplayed the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian cricket board is under immense financial pressure and is desperate to hold the India series after cutting costs due to the pandemic. The India tour of Australia is scheduled to be played between October 2020 and January 2021.&nbsp;

"I guess there's no such thing as certainty in today's world so I can't say 10 (out of 10), but I'm going to say nine out of 10," Roberts was quoted as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-got-credibility-leadership-skills-graeme-smith-wants-sourav-ganguly-to-become-icc-chairman-300211" hreflang="en">'He's got credibility, leadership skills' - Graeme Smith wants Sourav Ganguly to become ICC chairman</a>

"With the variable being, who would know whether we can have crowds? I'd be really surprised if we can't get the Indian tour away.

"But I wouldn't, hand on heart suggest we'll have full crowds from the start. We'll just have to see how that goes," the under-pressure chief executive said.

Roberts further hinted at a white-ball away series against England given the latter successfully host West Indies and Pakistan in the coming months. However, he made it clear that the board won’t jeopardise the safety of the players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harsha-bhogle-picks-his-top-10-indian-cricket-moments-from-the-90s-as-nostalgia-kicks-in-on-twitter-300195" hreflang="en">Harsha Bhogle picks his top 10 Indian cricket moments from the 90s as nostalgia kicks in on Twitter</a>

"I think there's some chance we could send a team over," Roberts said.

"Obviously we won't jeopardise the safety of the players, but the best test of that is that the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we're due to tour. We hope they go off without a hitch," Roberts said.

Meanwhile, the probability of Australia hosting the T20 World Cup in October-November looks slim given the international travel restrictions in majority of countries and the showpiece event could be shifted to 2021 with India hosting the next edition in 2022. 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has said that there is 9 out 10 chance that India will visit Australia for a four-match Test series later in the year 2020 as he downplayed the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has said that there is 9 out 10 chance that India will visit Australia for a four-match Test series later in the year 2020 as he downplayed the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board is under immense financial pressure and is desperate to hold the India series after cutting costs due to the pandemic. The India tour of Australia is scheduled to be played between October 2020 and January 2021. "I guess there's no such thing as certainty in today's world so I can't say 10 (out of 10), but I'm going to say nine out of 10," Roberts was quoted as saying. ALSO READ: 'He's got credibility, leadership skills' - Graeme Smith wants Sourav Ganguly to become ICC chairman "With the variable being, who would know whether we can have crowds? I'd be really surprised if we can't get the Indian tour away. "But I wouldn't, hand on heart suggest we'll have full crowds from the start. We'll just have to see how that goes," the under-pressure chief executive said. Roberts further hinted at a white-ball away series against England given the latter successfully host West Indies and Pakistan in the coming months. However, he made it clear that the board won’t jeopardise the safety of the players. ALSO READ: Harsha Bhogle picks his top 10 Indian cricket moments from the 90s as nostalgia kicks in on Twitter "I think there's some chance we could send a team over," Roberts said. "Obviously we won't jeopardise the safety of the players, but the best test of that is that the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we're due to tour. We hope they go off without a hitch," Roberts said. Meanwhile, the probability of Australia hosting the T20 World Cup in October-November looks slim given the international travel restrictions in majority of countries and the showpiece event could be shifted to 2021 with India hosting the next edition in 2022.

On a scale of 10, chance of India touring Down Under is 9: Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings. Gambhir is of the view that Team India has had a much greater impact in the longest format of the game with away wins, especially in Australia. The southpaw further questioned Australia’s new number one tag while opining that the Baggy Greens have been ‘absolutely pathetic’ in the sub-continent.&nbsp;

India ruled the Test rankings chart for 42 months before the latest ICC rankings removed the points that the teams accumulated from 2016-17 season.&nbsp;

"India have yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update," an ICC statement said.

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While Australia moved atop the Test rankings chart, New Zealand bagged the second spot pushing India down to the third place.&nbsp;

<h2>'For me, India should be No. 1': Gautam Gambhir</h2>

"No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don't believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship... that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That's ridiculous," Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected show.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umar-akmal-didnt-show-remorse-after-failing-to-report-corrupt-approaches-pcb-disciplinary-panel-head-297501" hreflang="en">Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head</a>

"Yes, absolutely. 100 per cent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England... not many countries have done that.

"For me, India should be there (No. 1) because Australia... I have serious doubts. On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent."

India’s defeat to New Zealand in the two-match Test series didn’t help their cause but there were many eyebrows raised after ICC’s latest Test rankings were released.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings. Gambhir is of the view that Team India has had a much greater impact in the longest format of the game with away wins, especially in Australia. The southpaw further questioned Australia’s new number one tag while opining that the Baggy Greens have been ‘absolutely pathetic’ in the sub-continent. India ruled the Test rankings chart for 42 months before the latest ICC rankings removed the points that the teams accumulated from 2016-17 season. "India have yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update," an ICC statement said. ALSO READ: UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call While Australia moved atop the Test rankings chart, New Zealand bagged the second spot pushing India down to the third place. 'For me, India should be No. 1': Gautam Gambhir "No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don't believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship... that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That's ridiculous," Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected show. ALSO READ: Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head "Yes, absolutely. 100 per cent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England... not many countries have done that. "For me, India should be there (No. 1) because Australia... I have serious doubts. On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent." India’s defeat to New Zealand in the two-match Test series didn’t help their cause but there were many eyebrows raised after ICC’s latest Test rankings were released.

'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system