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3 Occasions In Test Cricket When India Were Denied A Potential Win Due To Rain

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Edgbaston on 5th Day of Second Test [Source: AP Photos]Edgbaston on 5th Day of Second Test [Source: AP Photos]

Dark clouds gathering and rain interruptions delaying the start of day five in Edgbaston serve as a haunting reminder of cricket's most unpredictable adversary. As India stands on the precipice of historic victory at Birmingham, needing just seven wickets to defeat England, the familiar sight of covers being deployed threatens to deny them once again.

With England requiring an improbable 536 runs for victory on the final day, rain has already delayed the start of play at Edgbaston, with forecasts suggesting rain continuing in patches throughout the day. This scenario echoes numerous occasions where India has been tantalizingly close to Test victories, only to watch helplessly as weather intervenes. Here are five previous instances where rain has crushed Indian hopes.

1. Engalnd vs India, Trent Bridge 2021

One of the most prominent examples remains fresh in the minds of Indian cricket fans. India needed just 157 runs with eight wickets in hand on the final day at Nottingham.

Rain prevented play from resuming as scheduled, and after further downpours, the umpires abandoned the match as a draw. India were cruising towards a comfortable victory before English weather delivered the cruellest blow.

2. Australia vs India, Brisbane 2024

The Gabba Test was severely disrupted by rain across four of five days, affecting play throughout. India were 8 for no loss, needing 267 runs for victory, when heavy rain prevented the resumption of the game after tea, forcing another frustrating draw.

The match that should have decided the series became another of those unpredictable weather events.

3. India vs West Indies, St. Lucia 2006

After posting a massive 588/8, led by Virender Sehwag's brilliant 180 India found themselves in a winning position on the final day. However, the weather conspired to deny them victory.