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India obtained an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match Test series against England with a hard-fought five-wicket triumph in the fourth test on Monday. The hosts chased down a target of 192, overcoming a challenging situation at 120-5. Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel‘s resilient sixth-wicket partnership of 72 runs proved decisive, guiding India to victory. Despite a mid-innings wobble, the team showcased character, marking the seventh instance where Team India rebounded from 0-1 down to clinch a series.
Historic series win: England falters under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum leadership
India’s series victory marks a historic moment as England, led by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, faced their first Test series defeat. The relentless pursuit of success by Team India showcased their ability to bounce back, emphasizing the team’s resilience and determination under challenging circumstances. The win cements India’s dominance and adds another chapter to their illustrious Test cricket history.
7 occasions when India overcame a 0-1 deficit to win Test series:
1. 2-1(5) vs England 1972/73:
India lost the first Test but made a remarkable comeback. They were led by Ajit Wadekar, and key performances from Bhagwath Chandrasekhar and Bishan Singh Bedi helped them secure victories in the next two Tests. The final two Test ended in a draw, and India clinched the series 2-1.
- Defeat Margin: India lost the first Test by six wickets. The English bowlers, led by Geoff Arnold, capitalized on helpful conditions, bowling India out for 173 and 233.
- Comeback: India responded strongly, winning the next Tests at Kolkata by 28 runs. Bishan Singh and Chandrasekhar were the heroes with the ball.
- Victory: In the third Test at Chennai, India registered a convincing win by 7 wickets. Chandrasekhar’s six-wicket haul restricted England, and Tiger Pataudi played a crucial a knock of 73.
2. 2-1(3) vs Australia 2000/01:
After losing the opening Test, India bounced back under Sourav Ganguly‘s captaincy. The iconic partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in the famous Kolkata Test turned the series in India’s favour. Harbhajan Singh‘s stellar bowling in the decisive Chennai Test secured a historic series win.
- Defeat Margin: Australia won the first Test by 10 wickets. Harbhajan’ s four wicket haul in the first innings and economical bowling in the match wasn’t enough for India.
- Comeback: India fought back in the next two Tests, winning in Kolkata and Chennai. Harbhajan’s 13-wicket haul in the Kolkata Test was exceptional that resulted in 171 runs victory.
- Victory: The series was sealed with a historic two wicket win in Chennai, chasing down 155 with Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 126 leading the way in the first innings and Harbhajan further picked 15 wicket in the game.
3. 2-1(3) vs Sri Lanka 2015:
Sri Lanka took the lead in the series, but Virat Kohli‘s captaincy saw India making a strong comeback. Ajinkya Rahane‘s century in the crucial seocnd game and Cheteshwar Pujara’s spectacular ton in the decider were pivotal in India’s series win.
- Defeat Margin: Sri Lanka won the first Test by 63 runs. Dinesh Chandimal’s century and Rangana Herath‘s 7-wicket haul set the tone.
- Comeback: India leveled the series with a comprehensive win in the second Test. Centuries from KL Rahul and Rahane were instrumental.
- Victory: In the decider at Colombo, India won the contest by 113 runs on the back of Pujara’s brilliant 145 in the first innings, securing the series.
Also READ: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli showers special praise after India’s clinical victory over England in the Ranchi Test
4. 2-1(4) vs Australia 2016/17:
India, led by Kohli, lost the first Test but dominated the series thereafter. Ravichandran Ashwin‘s spin wizardry and the brilliance of batters like Rahul played crucial roles in India’s comeback.
- Defeat Margin: India lost the first Test by 333 runs in Pune. Steve O’Keefe‘s 12-wicket haul rattled the Indian batting order.
- Comeback: The hosts responded with victories in Bangalore and Dharamsala. Ashwin’ s 6/41 in Bangalore was pivotal.
- Victory: The series was clinched with a dominant performance in the fourth Test at Dharamsala. Rahul’s 60 in the first innings and match winning 51 not out in the second essay led India to victory.
5. 2-1(4) vs Australia 2020/21:
India faced numerous challenges, including key player injuries, but resilience defined their series win. Stand-in captain Rahane’s century in Melbourne and the historic Gabba Test win showcased India’s mental toughness.
- Defeat Margin: India lost the first Test in Adelaide by 8 wickets. A batting collapse, including Kohli’s run-out, hurt India.
- Comeback: India made a stunning comeback with victories in Melbourne and Sydney. Rahane’s century in Melbourne was crucial.
- Victory: The series was sealed with an iconic win in Brisbane. Rishabh Pant‘s unbeaten 89 guided India to a historic chase of 328.
Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-25 rankings after India’s series win over England in Ranchi
6. 3-1(4) vs England 2020/21:
India lost the series opener but rallied back impressively. Key performances from Pant and Axar Patel turned the tide in India’s favour. The series win also secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-2023 final.
- Defeat Margin: England won the first Test in Chennai by 227 runs. Joe Root‘s double century set up England’s dominance.
- Comeback: India responded with consecutive victories in Chennai and Ahmedabad (Day/Night).
- Victory: India sealed the series with a comprehensive win in final Test at Ahmedabad where Pant score fighting 101 runs and Axar took nine wickets overall.
7. 3-1(4) vs England 2023/24:*
In the latest instance, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy saw India recover after an initial setback. A strong team effort, with contributions from youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, ensured a series victory.
- Defeat Margin: England won the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad. Ollie Pope‘s double century and Tom Hartley‘s seven-wicket haul in the second innings were the highlights.
- Comeback: India responded with victories in Vizag and Rajkot. Jaiswal’s double century in both the games proved to be vital for the side.
- Victory: The series was sealed with a win in Ranchi, as Gill’s unbeaten 53 alongside Dhruv Jurel‘s 39 guided India to a successful chase of 192.
*- Series is yet to be over
