India’s most breathtaking triumphs in the purest format of the game!
India stands as one of the world's foremost cricket-loving nations, with millions of fervent fans immersing themselves in every aspect of the sport. Amidst the array of cricket formats, Test cricket holds a distinct significance, occupying a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Throughout its cricketing journey, India has witnessed numerous triumphant moments in Test cricket. This piece explores five of India's most unforgettable victories in the format.
After England claimed victory in the series opener, India fought back admirably to clinch the second match. Captain Rohit Sharma set the tone with a resilient 131, ably supported by Ravindra Jadeja's composed 112, propelling India to a total of 445 in the first innings. England's response faltered, with only Ben Duckett managing 153 as they were bowled out for 319. In the second inning, Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten 214 and Shubman Gill's 91 powered India to declare at 430/4. England's chase fell short under pressure from the Indian bowlers, with Mark Wood top-scoring with 33 as they collapsed for 122, sealing India's historic win by a commanding margin of 433 runs.
Virender Sehwag's incredible triple century—the first by an Indian batsman in Test cricket history—turned this match into an unforgettable one. The stage was set by Sehwag's magnificent innings of 309 runs, which included six sixes and 39 fours. With help from Yuvraj Singh (59) and Sachin Tendulkar (194*), India declared their innings at 675/5. India's bowlers, headed by Anil Kumble, gained victory by dismissing Pakistan for 216 and winning the match by an innings and 52 runs, despite Mohammad Yousuf's century for Pakistan in the second innings.
After both teams won one match each and the third test ended in a draw, it was a decisive showdown. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne's century and captain Tim Paine's half-century set a total of 369 in the first inning. Responding, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur's contributions helped India reach 336, trailing by 33 runs. In the second inning, only Steven Smith managed a half-century for Australia, while Indian bowlers limited them to 294. Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant's performances led India to chase down 328 runs, securing a historic victory by 3 wickets at the Gabba.
(Iconic Gaba Test Victory)
In the 5-match Test series, the first Test ended in a draw, and India clinched victory in the next two matches. Facing a must-win scenario, England dominated the first innings of the fourth Test, led by Keaton Jennings's 112 and Jos Buttler's 76, setting a formidable total of 400 runs. However, Virat Kohli's magnificent 235, supported by Murli Vijay and Jayant Yadav's centuries, propelled India to a commanding 631 runs. England faltered in their second inning, despite efforts from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. Ravichandran Ashwin's six wickets guided India to restrict England to 195 runs, sealing victory by an innings and 36 runs, as India didn't require a second innings.
Australia dominated the first Test at Wankhede Stadium, winning by 10 wickets. With pressure mounting on India to win the second match in the three-game series, Australia elected to bat first after winning the toss. Steve Waugh's century led them to 445 runs in the first inning. India struggled, with only VVS Laxman contributing significantly with 59 runs, posting a total of 171. Forced to follow on, India staged a remarkable comeback, led by Laxman and Dravid's partnership of 376 runs, declaring at 657/7. Harbhajan Singh's 6 wickets helped restrict Australia to 212, leading India to a memorable 171-run victory, defying the follow-on.
India’s love for cricket is evident from its skills in the most testing format of the game. Holding the purity of the sport while elevating it to new heights.
