Without any questions raised, the Indian cricket team is considered to be one of the best cricket teams in the world presently. However, it wasn’t the case since the beginning and India saw many ups & downs to achieve where they stand right now.
India played its first test match in 1932 and since then has come a long way to produce some enthralling moments for its fans that would be cherished for a lifetime. We have curated a list of the best 9 moments of the Indian cricket team in its history.
Here are 9 Unforgettable Moments of Indian Cricket
1) Kapil Dev Leading India To 1st World Cup Trophy
India had only won 1 match against the East Africa team in the 1975 World Cup over the last two editions before starting their campaign for the third edition of the World Cup. The Indian team was the underdogs with no hope of even qualifying for the semi-finals. Yet, Kapil Dev led India to their first-ever World Cup Final and eventually to the 1st World Cup trophy.
The clash was between India & two times World champion West Indies in the final. After batting first, India managed only 183 runs on board and it seemed a chaseable total as if Sir Viv Richards will score this run alone. But, India didn’t give up their hopes and fought hard to crumble West Indies batting on 140 and winning the final by 43 runs. The First World Cup win emerged a wave of emotions in the nation.
2) 2001 Eden Gardens Test Win Against Australia
Australia was on an undefeated 16-match streak in the test including the first test match. Australia continued their dominance in the 2nd test too as they provided a follow-on to India with more than 250 runs. India was on the verge of defeat. However, Dravid & Laxman took the match on their shoulder to bat throughout the 4th day of the test to have a 384 runs lead. Laxman scored 281 runs, the highest score by an Indian in Test cricket at that time.
Later, India declared and went on to win the test match by more than 100 runs. Credit goes to Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick and more than 5 wickets in 2nd innings, accompanied by Sachin Tendulkar’s taking wicket from the other end. India pulled off a miracle in this match by defeating the Australian giants.
3) Sourav Ganguly’s T-shirt Moment in Lord’s Balcony
India was playing the test series decider in Lord. India had a gigantic 316 total to chase in front of them, which was not quite chaseable during that time. But Sourav Ganguly & Sehwag built a solid 106 run partnership for 1st wicket, but what followed next was a collapse as India went on from 106/0 to 146/5. Everyone lost hopes of winning after Sachin’s dismissal.
Nevertheless, the two newbies Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif took the charge of the innings to build a 121-run partnership, until Yuvraj’s wicket. The situation got tensed as wickets kept falling from the other end. India required 2 runs off 4 balls when Kaif & Zaheer completed two runs after an overthrow to emerge victoriously. India won & Sourav Ganguly celebrated in style by waving his T-shirt on Lord’s balcony.
4) 2003 World Cup Final Loss
After 20 years, India came so close to lifting the world cup under Sourav Ganguly’s team that had many newbies, including Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, who played a prominent role in the 2011 world cup win.
After winning the toss, Ganguly decided to field first against the mighty Aussies. Australia smashed every India bowler around the park excluding Harbhajan Singh. Ricky Ponting top-scored for Australia with 140 not out.
India had to chase 360 runs to win the world cup. But India lost Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket cheaply ( who was the man of the tournament for highest runs). India didn’t manage to build any partnership which resulted in India being bowled out for 240 runs in 40 overs. This loss did haunt India & its fans for a long time.
5) India Winning 2007 Inaugural T20 World Cup
After India’s early exit from the 2007 World Cup, an anger wave erupted among Indian fans. This resulted in many senior players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid, opting out of the T20 World Cup. Dhoni was given the opportunity to lead the young side with no hopes of even qualifying for the semi-final stage.
Although, Team India proved their collective effort to reach the finals against Pakistan. India defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan in the final by 5 runs as Mishabh tried to scoop the Joginder Sharma’s delivery over fine leg, only to be caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg. India replenished itself and gave fans moments to rejoice.
6) Dhoni’s World Cup Winning 6
India won the 2011 World Cup under Dhoni after 28 years and was the first team to win a world cup in their home country. India was facing Sri Lanka and chasing a total that seemed chaseable until Sachin, Sehwag’s wicket fell quickly. But, Gambhir’s 97 run inning kept India in the game and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten knock of 96 runs took India to the World Cup trophy.
Dhoni smashed a six and Ravi Shastri said on air,” Dhoni finishes off in style, India lifts the world cup after 28 years.” These lines still give goosebumps to every Indian fan.
7) 2013 Champions Trophy Winner
India vs England champions trophy final was spoiled by a run as the ODI match had to be converted into a T20 match for both sides. Nevertheless, the thrill didn’t go down. India was defending a below-par total but Dhoni the best captain ever India has seen showed his magics with pin-perfect field placements and bowling changes.
Those words by Dhoni to his teammates,” Don’t look up, God won’t come down to save this match for us, we have to do it” shook our nerves to date.
8) Sachin Retires From International Cricket
The God Of Cricket decided to retire from international cricket on 16 November 2013, after a long 24-year career and giving uncountable memories to Indian and world cricket fans. The man who inspired billion people and generations to take up cricket as a sport finally decided to rest his bat forever.
The last test match against West Indies was special and even the bowler and fielders didn’t celebrate after dismissing Sachin. The speech by Sachin Tendulkar made every person cry and for the last time whole nation paused to watch their God on the cricket field as a player.
9) Team India Becomes First Team to Defeat Australia at Gabba
On 19 January 2021, India became the first team to defeat Australia at Gabba in nearly 32 years. With this win, India emerged victorious in the Border-Gavaskar test series by 2-1. India chased down the 328 runs total even without Virat Kohli in the side and losing Rohit Sharma early. Young Shubhman Gill, who made his debut a couple of tests ago, scored valuable 91 runs along with Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 runs to clinch the historic win.
This victory was really special as Australia had remained undefeated at Gabba since 1988 when they lost to West Indies. Indies breached the Australian fortress at Gabba.
Also read, 7 Players of Indian Cricket Team Who Will Dominate by 2030
