A magnificent century from Virat Kohli helped India win their series opener against Australia, and stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah says the veteran batsman’s influence cannot be understated.

Kohli, 36, was criticized before the Perth test for scoring only 192 runs in his previous 10 innings and averaging 15.50 in India’s three home test losses against New Zealand.

After India were bowled out for 150 in their first innings in Perth, the former captain was dismissed for five, but he returned with an unbeaten 100 in the second innings to put the tourists ahead.

After Rohit Sharma left to have his second kid, Bumrah took over as captain. He said Kohli had overcome tough circumstances previously and this was no different.

India won by 295 runs on Monday to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. “I’ve said this before, Virat Kohli doesn’t need us, we need him,” Bumrah told reporters. The player is experienced. It’s his fourth or fifth Australian tour. His cricket knowledge is unmatched. He was fit and alert.

“He has batted under challenging conditions for a long time. But that’s hard to do often.”

Kohli’s sixth test century in Australia broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Englishman Jack Hobbs leads visiting batters in Australia with nine test hundreds. Bumrah said Kohli bounced back from his first-innings dismissal and inspired others.

“He got a good delivery in the first innings but he was still in a great space and capitalised in the second innings,” he said.

“We wanted an experienced batter. He performed well and supported teammates. You can’t ask for more when he starts a series with confidence.”

The second Adelaide test starts Dec. 6.