Indian legend Virat Kohli has ended an agonising wait of more than three years to score his 28th Test century against Australia in Ahmedabad.

It was far from one of the 34-year-old's finest knocks, but it will be one of his most satisfying after his high standards have slipped in recent years.

Kohli was India's last batter out for 186 following an epic 364-ball, eight-hour stay at the crease.

Kohli, arguably India's greatest batter after Sachin Tendulkar, scored his previous Test ton in November 2019 when he hit 136 against Bangladesh.

On Saturday, the right-hander ended a 15-innings run without making a Test fifty.

It was Kohli's eighth Test century against Australia - his most against any team - and 14th in India.

He scored just 111 runs during the first three Tests as all batters struggled on pitches heavily favouring spin bowling.

Kohli joined Shubman Gill, widely recognised in India as his heir apparent, in scoring a century for India in this match.

It is understood he batted under duress for some of his innings, with Kohli not coming into the post-play press conference as is customary after such a special performance.

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey said Kohli "didn't give us a chance".

"We knew it was going to be tough bowling to Virat. We were able to contain him as much as we could and try to take wickets around him," Carey said.

"Anytime you come to India and Virat's next in or batting, you know it's going to be noisy and he played really well today. But I thought we hung in really well."