Cricket in India is a serious affair. It not only produces the best sportsman but the mark they leave on the game is irreplaceable. Whether that be India’s spectacular performances during the World Cups or the off the pavilion moments, the men in blue have the capacity of surprising everyone. Ever since the inception of cricket in India, there have been moments that have attracted the rebuke of the public but also the days when the team upheld the highest principles of sportsmanship(Must Know).
- Anil Kumble’s perfect 10:
India’s spinner Anil Kumble’s is known for his bowling across the world. The 49-year-old leg spinner has 337 ODI wickets and 619 Test wickets in his account but the most memorable moment in his life was when he managed to take a ten-wicket haul against Pakistan in Feroz Shah, Kotla. He was the second Indian to do so.
- 1983 World Cup:
India’s reputation in the field of cricket is well established, but such was not the case in the 1980s when certain teams were not performing well. In the World Cup of 1983, India’s performance left a huge mark in the field. The team lost only two matches in the world cup and managed to lift its first World Cup title by defeating West Indies at Lord’s.
- 1985 – Kerry Packer:
After India won its first World Cup, it was seen as an act of fortune but the team went on showing its gaming prowess in the Kerry Packer World series. India’s victory over its rival Pakistan in the finals established a strong reputation of the Indian Cricket team in the world cricket.
- 1998 – Desert storm, Sharjah:
In the match, India’s right-hand batsman Sachin Tendulkar scored 143 runs against Australia. The series attracted a huge audience as it pitted the world’s best batsman Sachin against the world’s best spinner Shane Warne. The spectacular score helped India qualify for Coca Cola Cup Final. As always, Sachin triumphed in the series and also scored 134 against the same team in the finals.
- Natwest Trophy Final:
India’s former captain Sourav Ganguly is remembered for one more thing other than his impressive batting. It’s the moment of Natwest Trophy final when he removed his shirt to celebrate the victory of his team. England had scored 326 whereas India struggled at 146/5 when two new players showed exemplary sports skills and led India to its victory in the finals. These two players were Yuvraj Singh and Muhammad Kaif.
- 1996 – Quarterfinals of the World Cup
When it comes to Cricket between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, nothing can be more interesting. The cup is remembered for the impressive win of India against Pakistan. India’s all-rounder Ajay Jadeja led the team to its victory against Pakistan’s Waqar Younis.
- World Cup 2003:
Fate brought India and Pakistan back on the matches of the World Cup. Though India lost to Australia in the finals but managed to score a win against Pakistan. This was the first time India was chasing a score of 274 in the World Cup.
- 2007 T20 World Cup:
This became the defining moment in the world of T20 world Cup. This was the first World Cup of T20 and Mahindra Singh Dhoni was selected as the Captain of the Indian Cricket team. Not only did India scored massive wins through the qualifying matches but beat its arch-rival Pakistan in the finals and finally taking the trophy home.
- Yuvraj Singh:
Yuvraj Singh is remembered for his sensible batting and reliable bowling. The player has led India to victory a couple of times. In the inaugural T20 World Cup of 2007, he became the second batsman in the international cricket to hit six sixes in an over.
- 2011 – World Cup, Mumbai
This was the final match of Sachin Tendulkar. After 1983, India again lifted the World Cup in its home turf against Sri Lanka. Mahendra Singh Dhoni captained the team to victory.
Conclusion:
Several events have left its mark on international cricket. From aggressive bowlers to defensive batsmen, cricket is a game of moments. Be it the dancing of Sree Santh or the monstrous hits of Dhoni, Indian Cricket no doubt has a bag full of surprises which will never end.