India’s journey in Test cricket began 92 years ago in 1932 when CK Nayudu led the Indian team in their first Test match against England. Since then, the road has seen many ups and downs. In 2024, with a victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, India reached a historic milestone – for the first time in their 92-year Test cricket history, they have more wins (179) than losses (178).
The path to that first win was not smooth. It took India 25 Test matches and 20 years to secure their maiden win, a six-run victory over England in Madras in 1952 under the leadership of Vijay Hazare. But India’s journey to consistent victories took much longer. In 1968, they recorded their first overseas win in Dunedin, New Zealand.
India’s Test cricket fortunes skyrocketed after 2001. Since then, India has won 116 out of 244 Tests, second only to Australia. At home, India has become a formidable force, with a win rate of 63.06% in 111 matches. Overseas, they have secured 46 victories, redefining their global Test status.
The real surge began after 2010. Under captains like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, India transformed into a winning machine. Virat Kohli led India to 40 wins in 68 Tests, while Rohit Sharma continued the momentum with 11 wins from 17 matches since 2022.
India’s success story isn’t just about their batting or spin bowling legacy. A new generation of fast bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, has taken India to new heights. Not to forget, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have played significant roles in India’s victories with their exceptional all-round performances.
INDIA’s MILESTONES IN TEST CRICKET:
- Maiden Test (1932): India played its first Test match against England under the captaincy of CK Nayudu.
- First Win (1952): India registered their first win against England in Madras.
- 50th Win (1994): India defeated Sri Lanka in Lucknow for their 50th win.
- 100th Win (2009): India defeated Sri Lanka in Kanpur to mark their 100th Test win.
- 150th Win (2018): India secured their 150th win against Australia in Melbourne.
- 179th Win (2024): India achieved 179 wins after beating Bangladesh in Chennai, marking the moment when wins exceeded losses.
