When the ball spun and history was written far from home
Spin in England? That's a rare sight. When you think of English conditions, you think of green pitches, cloud cover, seam movement, and pacers ripping in. But occasionally, when the sun shines brightly or the pitch wears thin, the old red cherry starts to grip and turn. And that's when India's spin masters come into their own.
As the 2025 Test series between India and England enters its second chapter, it's the perfect time to look back at five standout performances by Indian spinners in England.
Credit: Cricket Mash
6/38 in 2nd innings | England 355 & 101 vs India 284 & 174/6 | India won by 4 wickets
Bhagwath Chandrasekhar had a unique rhythm and an even more unusual action style. But his mystery was all that counted on that sunny day at The Oval in 1971. England took control after amassing 355 in the first innings. However, they were bowled out for just 101 in the second innings, thanks to Chandrasekhar's magical 6 for 38 in 18.1 overs.
This spell was pivotal in securing India's first-ever Test series victory in England. The leg-spinner didn't just take wickets—he made history.
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6/102 in 1st innings | England 425 vs India 379/8 | Match drawn
Dilip Doshi wasn't quick through the air. He didn't depend on sharp turns. But what he had was control and heart. At Old Trafford in 1982, Doshi toiled under the sun and bowled a total of 47.1 overs, taking 6 for 102 in the first innings.
Against a strong English line-up, Doshi's consistency stood out. His spell helped restrict England to 425 on a surface that wasn't offering much. India held on for a draw, and Doshi's efforts did not go unnoticed.
Credit: ESPN
6/226 in 1st innings | England 629 vs India 302 & 42 | England won by an innings and 285 runs
The scorecard looks harsh. Bishan Bedi bowled 64.2 overs and finished with figures of 6 for 226. This was during a gruelling innings at Lord's in 1974, where England amassed a colossal 629. But Bedi never surrendered. Even with wickets tumbling around him, he bowled with craft and determination, trying everything to hinder England's progress.
It wasn't enough to prevent an innings defeat, but Bedi's resilience under pressure certainly deserves recognition.
Credit: Sportstar
5/100 in 1st innings | England 334 & 128/3 vs India 293 & 165 | England won by 7 wickets
Back in the early days of Indian Test cricket, Ghulam Ahmed demonstrated the importance of persistence. Bowling 63 overs in the first innings at Headingley, he finished with figures of 5 for 100—a frugal spell with an economy of just 1.58.
It prevented England from dominating the game early on. India didn't win, but the off-spinner's effort kept them competitive on foreign soil.
Credit: ESPN
5/101 in 1st innings | England 294 & 153/5d vs India 170 & 152/9 | Match drawn
Vinoo Mankad was a cricketer well ahead of his time. He inspired India in their first tour after the war with bat and ball. At Manchester in 1946, he bowled 46 overs to take 5 for 101 in the first innings, slowing England's momentum.
This was India's debut Test series in England, and Mankad's all-round performance helped them secure a brave draw in this match. A start of something special.
