Rahul Dravid stands as one of only three Indian Captains England Test Wins in history. He led India to a famous Test series victory against England in 2007. This achievement places him in a very special and exclusive group. However, a significant challenge lies ahead for the current Indian team: India has not won a Test series in England for 18 years now. The newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, will certainly have a tough job (“his task cut out”) as India prepares to “resume their rivalry” with England.
India vs England: A New Era Begins
India is all set to “square off” (compete) against England in an exciting five-match Test series, which begins on June 20. This series will be particularly notable as Shubman Gill will make his debut as Test captain. He has taken over the captaincy role from Rohit Sharma, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket before the team selection meeting.
Big Challenge for India and Shubman Gill
Winning a Test series in England has historically been very difficult for visiting teams, especially for India. The last time India achieved this was way back in 2007, under Rahul Dravid. This 18-year gap highlights the “big challenge” facing Gill and his team.
Under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, India has had mixed results in Test matches, winning only 1 out of their last 8 Tests. Before this crucial series begins, it’s a perfect time to “have a look at” (review) the three Indian Captains England Test Wins and understand the significance of their achievements.
1. Ajit Wadekar: The Pioneer (1971)
The first Indian captain to achieve the remarkable feat of winning a Test series in England was Ajit Wadekar in 1971. Wadekar-led India “stunned” (surprised greatly) England by winning the three-match Test series 1-0. India secured their victory by winning the third Test match, played at the iconic venue of The Oval. This series win was part of a golden period for Indian cricket, as they had also “stunned” West Indies by winning a five-match Test series 1-0 just before their tour to England. Wadekar’s leadership laid the groundwork for future Indian Captains England Test Wins.
2. Kapil Dev: The World Cup Winner’s Test Triumph (1986)
Just three years after leading India to a historic ODI World Cup win in England in 1983, Kapil Dev achieved another major “milestone” (important achievement) by “excelling in Test cricket.” Kapil-led India confidently defeated England 2-0 in a three-match Test series in 1986.
India started the Test series strongly with a win at Lord’s, often called the ‘Home of Cricket’. They followed this up with another victory in the second Test at Leeds. The third game in the series ended in a draw, but India had already secured the series comfortably. Kapil Dev’s captaincy showcased his all-round brilliance, both as a player and a leader, adding another glorious chapter to Indian Captains England Test Wins.
3. Rahul Dravid: The Wall’s Solid Victory (2007)
Rahul Dravid became the third of the Indian Captains England Test Wins when India, as visitors, “stunned” the home team by winning the Test series 1-0 in 2007. This series also kicked off with a “drawn affair” (a match that ended in a draw) at Lord’s.
India then showed their strength by winning the second Test in Nottingham. The third and final Test, played at The Oval, also ended in a draw. This solid performance under Dravid’s leadership secured India’s series victory. Notably, India has not won a Test series in England since 2007, making Dravid’s achievement even more significant in the context of Indian Captains England Test Wins.
Rahul Dravid’s Coaching Stint in England (Clarification)
It’s important to clarify Rahul Dravid’s coaching role in England. His coached Team India did not play a complete Test series in England during his tenure. India only played one Test match in England while he was the head coach. In that match, led by Jasprit Bumrah, India unfortunately lost the game. This result meant that England “levelled the series” 2-2. This single match was actually the fifth and final Test of a series that began in 2021, where India had returned home with a 2-1 lead after the first four Tests. The fifth Test was played a year later in 2022 (when Dravid was coach). This detail helps distinguish his playing captaincy record from his coaching record.
Can Shubman Gill Make History?
The upcoming series presents a monumental opportunity for Shubman Gill. Leading a Test team, especially in England, is one of the toughest challenges in international cricket. The English conditions, with their swinging Dukes ball and often overcast skies, test a batter’s technique and a bowler’s patience like no other.
With India’s 18-year drought looming, the pressure on Gill and Coach Gambhir will be immense. Can this new leadership duo bring about a fresh wave of success and add their names to the illustrious list of Indian Captains England Test Wins? The cricketing world will be watching closely as the series begins on June 20, hoping to see India break this long-standing English curse.
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