Rise of India Test Team at home soil

In 1993, India has white washed England 3-0. It was a historic moment for Indian cricket. As a child I was very happy. Kumble had taken 21 wickets and Kambli & Tendulkar had scored more than 300 runs. Indian test has shown the glimpse of hope. Then came the famous 98 series between India & Australia. Who can forget Sachin’s 155 not out in Chennai test 2^nd inning against Warne ? But India lost Bangalore test but won the series 2-1. In 1990’s India had made home soil a fortress. But they were not ruthless at home. They were losing or drawing some tests. Frankly speaking only a few team visited India in 1990s. Mostly it was Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe & New Zealand.

 But in next decade (2000’s) they lost to South Arica and then we lost to Australia also. But there was an epic series in 2001 where Dada’s team demolished all-time great Australian test team with Laxman’s & Harbhajan’s heroic performance. But the team continue to rise under Dhoni. They white washed Australia 4-0 twice under Dhoni but English spinners turned the table 3 years ago. But our team has become formidable. The current winning streak is the best even by Indian standard. West Indies, New Zealand, England and now Bangladesh – All have been defeated comprehensively.

But how the tables has turned now a days. Indian team conceded 400 plus twice against England but still won by innings. There have been many brilliant individual performances but two stars are above all- Ashwin & Kholi. Kholi has scored 4 double century in 12 tests in 4 series. Its amazing feat even as per Bradman or Gavaskar standard. He is in tremendous form. But we can’t forget Ashiwn. He is among the best in today’s time (if not all time). He has amazing consistency. It seems that he just started his test carrier 3-4 years back and now has 254 test wickets. With all due respect to Bedi & Harbhajan etc, it can be safely said the he is 2^nd best spinner for India ever after his coach. Also we can’t forget other players like Jadeja, Pujara, Rahane, Vijay, Umesh Yadav etc. They are not yet star but have played their role in this domination of 19 tests without loss.

If Kholi’s team will be able to whitewash Australia, then this team will be considered one of the greatest home team of all time.