When was the only time Virat Kohli led India to a bilateral ODI series win against Australia in Australia?
India won their only bilateral ODI series against Australia in Australia under Virat Kohli in 2018/19. India bounced back in the series after losing the first match in Sydney.
Last Updated: 12.07 AM, Oct 18, 2025
In the history of cricket, few accomplishments are as significant as the Indian cricket team's victory in a bilateral ODI series in Australia. Under the inspired leadership of Virat Kohli, India achieved this remarkable feat in the 2018-19 season. This series not only solidified Kohli’s status as one of India’s greatest captains but also marked a crucial milestone in India’s cricketing journey, a hard-fought victory on Australian soil, which is often regarded as one of the toughest challenges for visiting teams.
The challenging context
Australia has traditionally been a fortress where touring teams, including India, have often struggled, particularly in the limited-overs format. Indian teams had come agonizingly close in past series but had never quite managed to seal a full bilateral ODI series victory there.
The combination of Australia’s hostile pitches, fast bowlers, and home crowd advantage had proved too steep a mountain to climb.
Until the 2018-19 ODI series, India's record in Australia was enviable in Tests but less so in the one-day format.
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The series overview
The bilateral ODI series comprised three matches held at various Australian venues from January 14 to January 18, 2019.
Virat Kohli, leading from the front, had the responsibility to guide a team packed with talent yet facing immense pressure to finally conquer Australia in their backyard.
Australia started strong in the first match by 34 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground, winning convincingly.
India, determined to bounce back, claimed victory in the second ODI in Adelaide, levelling the series.
This set the stage for a thrilling decider at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on January 18, 2019.
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The winning moment
In the decisive third ODI, India showcased remarkable composure and temperament. Yuzvendra Chahal's six-wicket haul helped India bundle out Australia for 230.
Kohli played a steady knock of 46 off 62 balls during the chase, while it was MS Dhoni, who guided India home with an unbeaten 87 from 114 balls. Kedav Yadav also played a great knock of an unbeaten 61 from 57 balls.
MS Dhoni ended up winning the Player of the Series Award for his 193 runs in the three-match series.
How to watch the upcoming Australia vs India series?
With India eyeing their second-ever bilateral series victory in ODIs over Australia, you can watch the Men in Blue in action on the JioCinema app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium.