2024 Independence Day: Top 5 glorious moments in Indian cricket
India has witnessed significant growth in cricket over the past 78 years since gaining independence on August 15, 1747. The nation's sports sector, especially cricket, has been on an upward trajectory. The Indian cricket teams (both men's and women's) have taken giant strides over the years. As the 2024 Independence Day approaches, let's relive the top five glorious moments in Indian cricket.
Maiden win in international cricket for India
Team India registered its maiden Test win on February 10, 1952. The triumphant match took place at the Madras Cricket Club ground in Chepauk, Tamil Nadu against England. Despite being down 1-0 in the five-Test series, the Indian team showcased unwavering determination to level the series in the fifth match. Vinoo Mankad took 12 wickets as India won by an innings and eight runs.
India's triumph in the 1983 World Cup
One of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history was the country's maiden World Cup triumph in 1983. On June 25, Kapil Dev's team defeated West Indies by 43 runs at Lord's to clinch the World Cup. This unexpected victory marked a new era for Indian cricket, propelling it onto the global stage. The Indian cricket team took giant strides from there on.
India's resilient victory over Australia in 2001
In the annals of Indian cricket, the 2001 Kolkata Test stands out as a significant turning point. Australia, riding high on a 16-match winning streak, enforced a follow-on after gaining a 233-run first-innings lead. However, VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid's (180) record-breaking triple-century partnership turned the tide in India's favor. Chasing 384, Australia were folded for 212 as Harbhajan Singh claimed a six-fer.
India's T20 WC triumph
Under MS Dhoni's leadership, India lifted the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, in South Africa. India headed into the event as underdogs as they were without many of their key players. However, the young Indian unit stepped up and tasted glory. The fact that India had a horrendous ODI World Cup campaign months before this event made the triumph even more special.
The famous Gabba win, 2021
An injury-hit Team India successfully chased 328 in the final few moments of the 2021 Gabba Test to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Heroic knocks from Rishabh Pant (89*) and Shubman Gill (91) powered India. Ajinkya Rahane led a second-string Indian XI in the decider due to the unavailability of several prominent names. Notably, Australia had a 33-run first-innings lead in the game.
