India vs England in Test cricket is one of the sport’s oldest and most storied rivalries. Dating back to 1932, when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s, the contest between these two nations has evolved through generations. For decades, victories in England remained elusive for India due to the challenges posed by seaming conditions, overcast weather, and experienced English sides. However, over time, India has scripted several memorable wins on English soil that have stood out for their grit, brilliance, and historical significance. Here’s a look at five of India's most famous Test victories in England.
5. India vs England, 1986, Lord’s
The 1986 win at Lord’s was India’s first at the iconic venue. In the first Test of the series, India bowled England out for 294 and replied with 341, with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring a superb 126*. Kapil Dev’s all-round performance and Chetan Sharma’s five-wicket haul in the second innings helped India dismiss England for 180. Needing just 134 to win, India achieved the target with 5 wickets to spare, scripting a historic triumph at the "Home of Cricket."
4. India vs England, 2007, Nottingham
Under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, India clinched a crucial win at Trent Bridge, Nottingham in the second Test of the 2007 series. After England scored 198, India responded with a massive 481, thanks to Dinesh Karthik (77), Sachin Tendulkar (91), and Sourav Ganguly (79). Zaheer Khan then led the bowling attack with a match-winning 5/75 in the second innings. India chased down 73 with ease, winning by 7 wickets and eventually securing a series win; their first in England since 1986.
3. India vs England, 2014, Lord’s
One of India’s most dramatic Test wins came at Lord’s in 2014. After posting 295 and setting England a target of 319, India needed a special performance and it came from Ishant Sharma. Bowling a relentless barrage of short balls, Ishant claimed 7/74 as England were skittled for 223. Ajinkya Rahane’s first-innings century and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s all-round show (36 & 52; 6 wickets in the match) were also key. The 95-run victory ended a 28-year drought at Lord’s.
2. India vs England, 2021, Oval
India secured a famous win at The Oval in the fourth Test of the 2021 series. Rohit Sharma scored his first overseas Test hundred (127), anchoring a solid second-innings effort. Shardul Thakur played two impactful cameos with bat and ball, while the pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Umesh Yadav dismantled England in the fourth innings. India won by 157 runs and took a 2-1 lead in the series, reaffirming their dominance on English soil.
1. India vs England, 2021, Lord’s
In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory, India defeated England by 151 runs at Lord’s in the second Test of the 2021 series. After setting a target of 272 thanks to a stunning 89-run partnership between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, India’s bowlers went on the attack. Led by Mohammed Siraj (4/32), India bowled England out for 120 in just 51.5 overs. The aggressive attitude under Virat Kohli’s captaincy and India’s never-say-die spirit made this a modern classic.
