India are set to enter an elite club when Shubman Gill leads the team out for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15. The match will mark India’s 600th Test, making them only the third nation after England and Australia to reach the landmark.
Chasing 403, India entered the final day needing 269 runs for victory. India’s victory at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2021 is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable wins in the team’s Test history. Mohammed Siraj took four wickets, Jasprit Bumrah claimed three, Ishant Sharma picked up two and Mohammed Shami took one as England were bowled out for 120.
The occasion will carry added significance as the Test begins on India’s Independence Day. For Gill, leading the side in such a historic fixture is a major honour. However, the match also carries importance for India’s World Test Championship campaign, with the team needing a strong run of results to remain in contention for the final. As India prepare for their 600th Test, here is a look at five memorable victories that have become an important part of the team’s red-ball history. Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath rose to the occasion, scoring centuries as India completed a famous seven-wicket win. India arrived with a depleted squad after injuries had ruled out several key players, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja. With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, India’s fast bowlers produced a sensational final-day performance.
