Independence Day 2024: Resisting 5 of India's greatest Test victories
India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. The day holds a special place in the hearts of Indians as the country got free from colonial rule on August 15, 1947. Meanwhile, cricket is deemed a religion in India owing to the game's massive fan following. Ahead of Independence Day, we will revisit five of Team India's greatest Test wins.
Historic comeback in Kolkata, 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.
The unprecedented chase in Trinidad, 1976
In 1976, India faced West Indies in Trinidad and were set a daunting target of 400-plus runs (403). This was a feat no team had achieved since Australia in 1948. Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath scored centuries, while Mohinder Amarnath and Brijesh Patel played crucial supporting roles. India miraculously won the game by six wickets. This is still India's highest-successful chase (Tests).
The unforgettable Perth Test, 2008
In 2008, India faced Australia in Perth, a venue where no Asian side had previously won a Test. Anil Kumble's men gained a hefty 118-run first-innings lead. Dravid made 93 in his first outing. Chasing 413 to win, the hosts were restricted to 340/10. Irfan Pathan's all-round performance and the seam bowling masterclass from youngsters RP Singh and Ishant Sharma also helped India.
The remarkable Adelaide Test, 2003
The Adelaide Test in 2003 saw India face Australia once again. After Australia scored a massive 556 runs, India found themselves in trouble at 85 for 4. However, Dravid (233) and Laxman (148) got India to a total of 523. Ajit Agarkar then took six wickets to limit Australia's second innings to 196. India later accomplished the 230-run target thanks to Dravid's 72*.
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.
