Deciphering the new Team India led by Virat Kohli
What's the story
Team India has developed a new culture under skipper Virat Kohli.
This team's DNA is very much different when compared to the teams of the past.
The biggest and the most noticeable change is Kohli & Co's performance overseas.
No team in the history of Indian cricket has performed so well overseas.
What makes this team special? Here is our analysis.
Fighting spirit
This team will never back down from a fight
The mentality of the team also seems to have changed a lot.
India might have lost the Test series, but the boys were very competitive and gave South Africa a run for their money.
The limited overs series was a whole new story.
The team saw a new vigour and tore apart the Proteas 5-1 in the ODIs before clinching the T20Is 2-1.
Reflection of Kohli
This team looks younger and feels "cooler"
Not just the mentality, the attitude of this team is different too.
They look younger and "cooler" and definitely more aggressive.
From flashy haircuts to funky tattoos, this team is a reflection of our Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Add to it, the relationship the team members share. The team is all about friendship and bonding.
No dissent
Kohli is the supreme authority
There is no scope of dissent in this team. There is no room for disagreement here.
One has to comply with what the captain says.
Virat is the supreme leader and he commands that respect; after all he is the best player in the world and is turning out to be one of the best captains the sport has seen so far.
Sorry Kumble
No room for people who don't share Kohli's vision
Kohli's leadership brings clarity to this team.
Winning is the only goal for Virat Kohli and that was seen in the third Test against South Africa. The Indian team put in a brilliant performance to clinch the Test in those dangerous conditions.
Kohli doesn't encourage those who don't share his vision, former coach Anil Kumble being the best example.
Data
Fitness is team India's mantra under Virat Kohli
This team is super fit. Thanks to the importance Kohli gives to Yo-Yo endurance tests. Veteran stars including the likes of Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh have been kept out of this side since they failed to clear the test.
Just the start
Whole new era begins under Virat Kohli
During the ODI series, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram was amazed by Kohli's 'desperation' to win.
Kohli doesn't want to win just at home, he wants to establish his dominance overseas as well.
Win at all cost and the approach is simple, on-field aggression and cocky self-confidence and off-field mind games.
The Virat Kohli era has just begun!