Independence Day 2024: 5 Most Iconic Wins In Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma holding the T20 WC 2024 trophy
India's journey since gaining independence in 1947 has been marked by various milestones, but few arenas have reflected its growth and passion as closely as cricket.
As the country celebrates another year of independence, it's a fitting moment to reflect on the cricketing milestones that have not only shaped the sport in the nation but have also instilled pride and joy across generations.
From heart-stopping wins to record-breaking performances, these are the top five glorious moments in Indian cricket history:
5. Breaching the ‘Gabba’ Fortress: India's Test Win in Australia (2020-21)
Indian team celebrates after beating Australia's fortress at The Gabba in Brisbane (Twitter)
Against all odds and expectations, India's 2020-21 Test victory in Australia is proof of the team’s fighting spirit and perseverance.
Following a disheartening 36 all-out in Adelaide and the departure of Virat Kohli for paternity leave, the team was left bruised but unbowed.
Under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership, a band of young guns including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammad Siraj, India clinched an unforgettable series win.
The series concluded with a historic victory at the Gabba—a fortress where Australia hadn't lost since 1988—cementing this win as a symbol of hope and courage.
4. T20 World Cup Title After 17 years in 2024
Indian team poses for the camera after T20 WC 2024 win under Rohit Sharma (Twitter)
On June 29, 2024, the Indian team clinched its second T20 World Cup 2024 title, edging out South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados under Rohit Sharma's leadership.
The final saw Virat Kohli rise to the occasion, smashing 76 runs to propel India to a competitive total of 176/4. South Africa, led by Heinrich Klaasen's explosive batting, seemed on track with just 30 needed of 30 balls. But Hardik Pandya's crucial dismissal of Klaasen in the 17th over turned the tide.
The match reached its peak when Jasprit Bumrah delivered a game-changing over, dismantling the stumps of Marco Jansen with a stunning delivery.
The dramatic final over, highlighted by Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular boundary catch to dismiss David Miller, sealed a narrow 7-run victory for India, sparking jubilant celebrations among the sea of blue in the stands.
3. Inaugural T20 World Cup Victory in 2007
Young Indian team won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni (Twitter)
The T20 World Cup 2007 victory not only introduced India to the shortest format’s international stage but also redefined its cricketing ethos.
Led by the charismatic young captain MS Dhoni, India edged out arch-rival Pakistan in a final that was nothing short of a cinematic climax.
With Pakistan needing just 13 runs in the final over, rookie Joginder Sharma was tasked with the daunting final over.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s infamous scoop found Sreesanth on the fine leg, leading to an Indian victory that sparked nationwide celebrations and started a new era for Indian cricket.
2. World Cup Victory at Lord's in 1983
Kapil Dev receiving the 1983 World Cup trophy (Twitter)
The 1983 World Cup win is perhaps one of the most defining moments in Indian cricket, turning underdogs into overnight heroes.
Against the mighty West Indies, Kapil Dev's men put on a display of grit and gumption at Lord's, the home of cricket.
The Indian skipper's incredible 175 earlier in the tournament against Zimbabwe was the rallying point that carried the team through to the finals, where they stunned the cricketing world by clinching the title.
This victory not only boosted the sport's popularity in India but also instilled a belief that has since become the foundation of Indian cricket's spirit.
1. The 2011 World Cup Triumph
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Team India celebrates after the 2011 World Cup win (Twitter)
The pinnacle of Indian cricket's glorious moments came in April 2011 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Ending a 28-year World Cup drought, the Indian team, under MS Dhoni, defeated Sri Lanka in a riveting World Cup 2011 final.
Early dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar set back the chase of 275, but key innings from Gautam Gambhir (97) and a masterclass from Dhoni (91*), who promoted himself up the order, steered India towards victory.
Dhoni's winning six over long-on is etched in Indian cricket history, which symbolizes a dream fulfilled and a legacy cemented.
This victory was not just about reclaiming the World Cup; it was a tribute to a nation's love for the game and the faith of its people in the team.
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