5. Vs England, The Oval, 1986
Before 1986, a Test victory at Lord's, the 'Mecca of Cricket', remained an unfulfilled dream for India. After 11 unsuccessful attempts, Kapil Dev's spirited team arrived in England and changed history. Dilip Vengsarkar’s sublime century, his third consecutive
at the venue, formed the backbone of India's first innings. He scored a masterful 126 not out, helping India secure a crucial 47-run lead. The bowlers, led by Chetan Sharma's five-wicket haul in the first innings and Kapil Dev's four in the second, then dismantled the English lineup, setting a modest target of 134. Amidst some final-day jitters, captain Kapil Dev himself hit the winning runs with a quickfire 23 not out, sealing a 5-wicket victory that was decades in the making. It was not just a win; it was the conquest of cricket's most hallowed ground.
4. Vs Australia, Perth, 2008
This was a win forged in fire and controversy. Coming off the acrimonious 'Monkeygate' scandal in Sydney, a wounded Indian team faced Ricky Ponting's all-conquering Australian side at the WACA in Perth—a venue where Australia was virtually unbeatable. No one gave India a chance on the fast, bouncy pitch. But Anil Kumble’s team showed immense character. Solid first-innings batting, led by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, gave India a competitive total of 330. Then, the young Indian pace attack of RP Singh, Irfan Pathan, and a fiery Ishant Sharma rose to the occasion, tormenting the Australian batsmen. India set a target of 413, and despite a fightback, the hosts were bundled out for 340. The 72-run victory was a statement of resilience that halted Australia's record-equalling streak of 16 consecutive Test wins and is considered one of India’s greatest overseas triumphs.
3. Vs England, The Oval, 1971
This was the victory that started it all. In 1971, Ajit Wadekar's team travelled to England having already secured a historic series win in the West Indies. Yet, winning in England was the final frontier. After two drawn Tests, the series came down to the final match at The Oval. Trailing by 71 runs after the first innings, India’s chances looked slim. But then came the magical spell from leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar. His mesmerising bowling fetched him figures of 6 for 38, skittling England for just 101. This left India needing 173 runs to win. With contributions from Wadekar, Dilip Sardesai, and Gundappa Viswanath, India chased down the target with four wickets in hand. It was India's first-ever Test and series victory on English soil, a watershed moment that infused a generation of players and fans with belief.
2. Vs Australia, Brisbane, 2021
Often called the greatest Test series win of the modern era, this was a story of courage against impossible odds. Ravaged by injuries to its senior players, a young, makeshift Indian side faced a full-strength Australia at the Gabba, a fortress where the hosts had not lost a Test for 32 years. After being bowled out for 36 in the first Test, India fought back to level the series 1-1. The decider in Brisbane was the ultimate test. Youngsters Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur played with unbelievable fearlessness. But the final day belonged to Rishabh Pant. Chasing 328, Pant played a masterful, aggressive innings of 89 not out, guiding India to an incredible three-wicket victory in the final hour of play. This win was not just about breaching a fortress; it was about the defiant spirit of a new generation of Indian cricketers.
1. Vs Australia, Kolkata, 2001
There are great wins, and then there is Eden Gardens, 2001. A match that has attained mythical status in cricket history. Playing against Steve Waugh's seemingly invincible Australian team, which was on a 16-Test winning streak, India were forced to follow-on after being bowled out cheaply in the first innings. Defeat seemed certain. What followed was a miracle. VVS Laxman, promoted to number 3, played the innings of a lifetime, an epic 281. He was partnered by Rahul Dravid, who battled fatigue and pressure to score a heroic 180. Their mammoth 376-run partnership turned the match on its head. Set an improbable 384 to win on the final day, Australia crumbled under the pressure of a roaring Eden Gardens crowd. A young Harbhajan Singh, who had taken a hat-trick in the first innings, spun a web to take six wickets, bowling India to a sensational 171-run victory. It remains the ultimate comeback in Indian Test history.
