5 of the lowest targets successfully defended in Tests by India is a rather emphatic list in which India's prowess at the test match level is magnified by sheer skill and magic in which the vanquished
include not just Australians, but even South Africans and the New Zealanders. Because victories in Test match cricket are always a thing of joy, and something to savour- aren't they? Also because the same are achieved at the end of the day thanks to the dexterity and skill of bowlers, which matters ever so much for a simple statement.
And that being- "You win games because of batters, but it is the bowlers who make you win a series (which can also be in muliples). Below is a list that shall hopefully stir our emotions, bring back forgotten memories and present, at the same time, lowest targets successfully defended in Tests by India: a representation of great bowling spells at different periods of time that got India glory. A term so often used to magnify batters!
107 runs vs Australia in Mumbai in 2004
Two decades ago, India achieved at Mumbai a stunning Test win at Mumbai, one of India's most famous cricketing destinations, a tag that may not please the perpetually polluted and chicken tikka and Soya chaap-obsessed Delhi, from which one of Indian cricket's sweetest assets, Mr. Gambhir hails.
But what was fascinating about the win that was earned 21 years back in the day?
In the fourth and final Test match of the series, held at Mumbai, India bowled out the Aussies for 93.
Kumble, Karthik and Harbhajan joined forces to turn into a menacing force that was too hard for the Aussies to tackle, which is how the mighty forces were blunted and left all out for 93. Let that not be forgotten.
143 runs vs Australia in Melbourne in 1981
It was, precisely, 44 years ago at the city which serves apparently one of the finest coffees made around the world that India achieved an oustanding Test victory; the 143 at the Aussies' home came at the back of a Kapil Dev special: the incredible 5 for 28.
Back then, Australia were restricted merely for 83, which interestingly, is the year in which Team India would lift its maiden ODI World Cup in men's international cricket.
170 runs vs South Africa in Ahmedabad in 1996
The lowest target successfully defended in Tests by India also features the brilliant 170 that was achieved against the Proteas in the year 1996. This was a fascinating win that was acheived three decades ago all thanks to a certain Javagal Srinath's brilliant 6-for that remarkably and ably halted the Proteas' charge on 105, just 105. The main question here, however, is just how far is that bowling spell even recounted, let alone talked about or hailed?
Perhaps a case in point for those revered broadcast journalists, TV presenters, writers, authors or orators who mostly remember fast bowlers from the past two decades and as seen in recent times, focus only on mighty forces of Indian cricket- as they should- such as the great Jasprit Bumrah and when memory serves them right, then Zaheer Khan or Irfan Pathan.
But have those who played for the country and toiled perhaps just as hard such as Srinath, one of the greatest exports of Karnataka to the nation, not done enough to have not been written or spoken about?
That, however, is something for the fans to think about and for the fine sense of judgement reserved by cricket experts of India, whether those who work for big daddy channels or growing YouTube platforms.
In an ideal world, sense, wisdom and needless to say, egalitarianism should prevail.
188 runs vs New Zealand in September 1969
Nearly six decades back in the day, World cricket saw one of the lowest targets successfully defended in Tests by India. Thanks to two legends, Bishan Singh Bedi and E. Prasanna, starred with a 6-for and 4-for, repectively, to help India achieve a mega fine win at their own soil.
189 runs vs Australia in Bengaluru in 2017
Eight years ago, during the peak period of Indian batting legends Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, the team saw two of its pillars challenged in a low scoring outing at Bengaluru. In a great contest in which Australia's great Nathan ate up the entire team for a low-scoring 189 like a Lion (except some roar with the red ball and have 'l' in their name), it was KL Rahul's patience and rock solid technique that came up with 90 (off 205 deliveries).
Thankfully, Karun Nair too, stepped up with a useful 26 off 39.
In the second innings, however, which wasn't before Jadeja's brilliant 6-for, Pujara stepped up to score a magnificent 92 (off 221), whilst Rahul's focused 51 again came to the team's cause.
Kohli, then captain, could unfortunately not score that many in the second inning again, which wasn't the case with Rahane (52), yet another cricketer who perhaps hasn't been valued, or has he, the way he would have liked.
In the end, Ashwin, ever the magician stepped up with a great 6-for to restrict Australia to just 112 (whilst Ishant Sharma, Jadeja, even Umesh Yadav with his two-for) stepped up with a brilliant support act.
FAQs
Which is the lowest ever Test score that India has defended successfully?
It is 107 at Mumbai in 2004.
What is the lowest ever Test score that India has defended against South Africa in red ball cricket?
It is 170 that India successfully defended at Ahmedabad in 1996.
