The year 2021 has been one of the most successful ones in India's Test cricket history. At the start of the year, an Ajinkya Rahane-led India beat Australia on their home soil for in the second consecutive series. It was followed by India’s dominating 2-1 lead in England under Virat Kohli which came to an abrupt end with Covid-19 outbreak in Indian camp. And now, India have beaten South Africa in Centurion in the Boxing Day Test for the first time. With the 113-run win Kohli became first Indian captain beating legendary MS Dhoni and current head coach Rahul Dravid to win two Tests on South African soil.
Here are a few records that have been created with India’s dominating display in rain-affected Centurion Test –
First win in Centurion
At the start of Day 5, India needed six more wickets to breach the Centurion fortress. India made short work of Proteas middle order in the first session followed by mopping up the tail quickly in the second session with rain threat looming large. This is India’s eighth tour of South Africa and third Test in Centurion. India got third-time lucky and beat Dean Elgar-led side comprehensively.
India’s wins in South Africa
This is India’s fourth win in South Africa. India have become second Asian side after Sri Lanka to register four Test wins. India’s first Test win by 123 runs came in 2006 in Johannesburg under the leadership of Dravid. In 2010, Dhoni-led India beat South Africa in Durban by 87 runs. On previous tour of South Africa, India registered their second win in Johannesburg by 63 runs.
Two fortresses breached in 2021
Earlier this year, a spirited Indian comeback after getting all out for 36 in Adelaide, India stunned Australians in Gabba to register their first win on the ground. With Rishabh Pant hitting the winning runs, India ended the 32-year dominance of Australia against touring teams. 11 months later, India registered their maiden Test win in Centurion.
Kohli leaves many behind
Kohli is already India’s all-time most successful Test captain with 40 wins from 67 Tests. The 33-year-old has a win percentage of 59.7. Only Rahane has a better win percentage at 66.66 with. However, Rahane has led India to four victories in just four games out of six. Kohli is also India’s most successful overseas captain with wins across all major Test playing nations.
Every Boxing Day bout won
The previous three Boxing Day bouts have been won by India. Two of them came against Australia in Melbourne in 2018 and 2020 followed by Centurion on December 30, 2021.
Kohli beats Dhoni
Kohli has most wins against South Africa including all formats. With his 17th win, he went past Dhoni (16 wins).
Dominance in SENA countries
Kohli has better record than any Indian Test captain in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries. Kohli has led India to wins in seven Tests whereas Dhoni, Ganguly and Dravid have seven wins combined.
Kohli surpasses Azam
The veteran Test skipper surpassed Pakistan captain Babar Azam to register most wins (8) in the red-ball format in the calendar year. Azam had seven Test wins followed by England skipper Joe Root who has four Test wins.
