India’s nail-biting Oval triumph again underscored the country’s increasing supremacy and endurance in red-ball cricket. The last Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy concluded thrillingly, with England, having four wickets at hand, unable to chase a mere 35 runs, crumbling against India’s ferocious bowling arsenal.
With the five-match series finishing 2-2, this contest adds to the list of the most closely fought Test series in recent times.
India’s Test Victory: 7 iconic wins in the past 15 years
1. India vs Australia, 2020-21 – The Gabba Miracle
India’s Test Cricket triumph became mythological in this four-Test series. When India was bowled out for a record low of 36 in Adelaide, India was written off. But with stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, India made a comeback with determination:
Melbourne: India tied the series.
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Sydney: The team staged a heroic draw.
Brisbane (Gabba): India won by three wickets, breaking Australia’s fortress for the first time in 32 years.
This 2-1 victory is broadly considered among India’s finest Test series wins.
2. India vs Sri Lanka, 2015 – Kohli Era Begins
Symbolizing the start of a new era in the time of Virat Kohli, the series witnessed India’s never-say-die attitude come into play:
Lost the first Test in Galle by 63 runs.
Retaliated to triumph at P Sara Oval and SSC Colombo by 278 and 117 runs respectively.
India’s 2-1 series win was the building block for a decade of Test dominance under Kohli.
3. India vs South Africa, 2010-11 – Determination in Cape Town
The series had the all-time great three: Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman. India bounced back from a thrashing in Centurion with:
Durban: Won by 87 runs, supported by Laxman’s key 96.
Cape Town: Confronted a stiff fifth-day survival test which they answered in style, earning a draw due to gritty contributions from Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar, and Laxman.
The series concluded 1-1 and reflected India’s battle on foreign soil.
4. India vs England, 2011-12 – England’s Historic Comeback
India began well:
Ahmedabad: Overpowered with a nine-wicket victory.
But England came storming back, led by Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook:
Mumbai: Won by 10 wickets.
Kolkata: Seized the series initiative.
Nagpur: Drawn to seal the series 2-1.
Joe Root made his debut in this decider series.
5. Australia vs South Africa, 2016-17 – Pace vs Pace Showdown
A fast bowling-dominated series:
South Africa, with Rabada and Philander at the helm, surprised Australia in Perth and Hobart.
Australia rescued some pride with a win in the day-night Test in Adelaide.
South Africa’s 2-1 series victory was Australia’s first home Test series defeat since 2008.
6. New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2017–18 – Abu Dhabi Upset
In spin-friendly UAE conditions, Pakistan were the favorites. But New Zealand had other ideas:
Abu Dhabi: Won the first Test by a mere four runs.
Dubai: Pakistan recovered with an innings victory.
Final Test: New Zealand won the series 2-1 with a 123-run victory, courtesy off-spinner William Somerville’s 7 wickets.
7. India vs England, 2021-22 – COVID, Drama, and a Drawn Series
A COVID-hit series that had it all:
Nottingham: First Test drawn.
Lord’s: India won by 151 runs.
Leeds: England responded with an innings win.
The Oval: India won by 157 runs.
But the fifth Test was cancelled because of COVID infections in India’s camp. It was later completed in Birmingham (2022), where England chased a record 378 to make the series 2-2.
From Gabba to The Oval, Indian Test cricket triumph has been synonymous with dramatic turns, cinematic comebacks, and emerging stars. These seven unforgettable series are not just markers of Indian cricketing history but also examples of how great Test cricket can be. With the game changing, fans could only wish to see more such great moments in the future.
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