For years, winning an ODI series in Australia seemed impossible for Indian cricket. The conditions and pitches in Australia are perceived to be more pace-friendly, and the team holds an advantage in their backyard. Any team that tours Australia knows it will be one of its toughest endeavors. Indian teams had come close a few times to winning the odd match [in a tournament or tri-series] but were unsuccessful in capturing a bilateral ODI series victory.
In January 2019, Team India, under Virat Kohli’s leadership and with great support from MS Dhoni, created history by winning the ODI series 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. This was India’s first ODI series victory in Australia and marked an important first shift in mindset and adaptability in Indian cricket.
Background: Why It Mattered
Before 2018-19, India had accomplished a great many things in limited-overs cricket: they had won World Cups (1983, 2011) and many home series. However, success in Australia was the final barometer of class. Fast, bouncy pitches, large outfields, and an unforgiving Australian attack often exposed India’s weaknesses. Even during some remarkable moments in tournaments, such as the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, when India won the trophy in Australia, this did not equate to ending a bilateral series with wins. Thus, the 2018-19 series had a degree of significance unlike anything else; this was not about winning a one-off game, it was about the evidence of consistency across three matches in conditions away from home.
Series Overview: India Tour of Australia 2018–19
- Format: 3 ODI Matches
- Venues: Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne
- Dates: January 12–18, 2019
- Captains: Aaron Finch (Australia) & Virat Kohli (India)
Final Outcome: India won the series 2-1
The one-day international series came after deciding the Test series between the two teams, in which India won 2-1, making it India’s first Test series victory in Australia. India had the momentum, but Australia was capable of bouncing back at home and was ready to respond.
1st ODI – Sydney Cricket Ground (January 12, 2019)
Result: Australia won by 34 runs
Australia drew first blood. Batting first, Australia scored 288/5, and Paine and Khawaja had stabilized the innings. India lost the early wickets in the chase. While Rohit Sharma made a fighting 133, India could only manage to get to 254/9.
It was a real wake-up call for India, which illustrated to them the requirement of patience and adaptability to win on these kinds of wickets.
2nd ODI – Adelaide Oval (January 15, 2019)
India won the match by 6 wickets.
India made a superb comeback. Australia scored 298/9, thanks in large part to Shaun Marsh’s very good century of runs. In response to that score, India chased down the target, winning with 6 wickets in hand and success coming with 4 balls left in the game.
Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 104 runs off 112 balls, while MS Dhoni scored a very solid 55 runs and finished the game with typical assuredness, which was a throwback to the old days. This victory made the series level at 1–1, ahead of now heading to Melbourne for a grand finale.
3rd ODI – Melbourne Cricket Ground (January 18, 2019)
India emerged victorious by 7 wickets.
Series Result: India 2 – 1 Australia
History was created at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). India chose to bowl first, restricting Australia to 230 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal, in his first match of the series, was outstanding with 6/42, having spun a web around the Aussie batsmen.
Chasing 231 was looking easy when Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan got India off to the right start, and as has often been the case, MS Dhoni, who is seen as the best finisher, took India over the line again. Dhoni scored an impressive 87 not out to see India to victory with composure at the crease.
India won by 234/3 in 49.2 overs, which sealed the match and series comfortably.
India had won its first bilateral ODI series in Australia.
Key Performers:
MS Dhoni—The “Iceman Returns”
M.S. Dhoni was the Player of the Series with three consecutive fifties (51, 55*, 87*) to his name. His ability to remain unflustered under pressure and his finishing capabilities in run chases were vital to India’s success.
Virat Kohli—The Captain and Run Machine
Virat Kohli’s century in Adelaide was vintage Kohli—the aggression combined with intelligence and calculation. Kohli’s captaincy, his faith and trust in his bowlers, and his ability to instill confidence were also critical.
Yuzvendra Chahal—The Surprise Element
Yuzvendra Chahal’s six wickets in the decider really broke the back of Australia. It was one of the best ODI bowling performances we have seen from an Indian spinner down under.
Rohit Sharma—The Reliable Opener
Rohit Sharma’s century in the first ODI and his ability to convert starts into high scores in other ODIs. This provided a foundation and set the tone for India’s batting that was needed in difficult conditions.
The Top Moments
Dhoni’s cool finishes in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs reminded us of his glory days.
Kohli’s century in Adelaide changed the entire momentum of the series.
Chahal’s spell at the MCG dashed Australia’s hopes of a return.
India’s ability to adapt to the conditions in the first ODI and modify shot selection was a masterclass in macro ODI planning.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Why It Was Historic
This victory meant much more than numbers. It proved that India’s success was no longer confined to home pitches. The quality of the team’s preparation, fitness, and adaptability was all illustrative of how Indian cricket had evolved under Kohli’s captaincy. It was also an emotional win; Dhoni’s last series win in Australia as a player marked the end of an era. Fans all over the world were happy about not only the win but also the spirit of resilience the Indian team showed throughout the tour.
Comparisons & Context
Before the 2018-19 series win, India had won ODI cricket matches in Australia during multi-nation tournaments such as the (i) 1985 World Championship of Cricket (final win v Pakistan at MCG) and (ii) the CB Series 2007- 08—India won the finals against both Australia and Sri Lanka combined. These tournaments were not bilateral series wins, however.
The 2019 ODI series win was India’s first stand-alone series win against Australia on their home turf—an accomplishment no other Indian team had previously accomplished.
Consequences and Influence
This monumental win elevated India’s stature in the cricketing world. The team illustrated their capability of winning away from home and could be competitive in all conditions and against any side. It also gave the team tremendous confidence going into the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, demonstrating that they could chase down targets and play under pressure in foreign conditions.
The 2018–19 tour would ultimately cement its reputation as a watershed moment in modern Indian cricket history, with:
– The first Test series win in Australia (2–1)
– The first bilateral ODI series win in Australia (2–1)
Pairing those two milestones allowed India to change its status as a team that could compete in all formats.
Summary
In conclusion, India’s first ODI bilateral series win in Australia was not merely a cricketing accomplishment; it was simply evolutionary. India had changed its narrative from being a struggling and timid tourist to being a confident new world beater. The Indian team had assembled a collective sense of unity, strategy, and self-belief.
The image of MS Dhoni raising his bat in Melbourne and Kohli smiling contentedly captured so much more than the moment; it was a representation of an era when India had proved it was capable of conquering the most challenging cricketing arena.