Australia and India cricket teams met Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday on the eve of the fourth Test in Sydney.
The leader hosted the captains at his official residence, the Kirribilli House in Sydney on New Year's Day.
Addressing officials, the teams and their families, Kohli said the event was an honour to attend and commended his side's achievement of winning the series in Australia.
''What we have done in these first three Tests and the way that we have been able to play is something that is very special and something that will stay with us for life,'' said the India skipper.
Paine thanked Kohil and his men for helping the Australian public ''fall back in love with cricket'' - a reference to the tender nature of the sport's image after the ball-tampering scandal erupted in March 2018.