India's memorable Test wins at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What's the story
India are set to play their first Test in six years at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on November 14. The last time they played a Test here was against Bangladesh in November 2019, which was also the famous pink-ball Test. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash against South Africa, have a look at India's memorable Test wins at this historic venue.
#1
India beat Australia after following on, 2001
The 2001 Eden Gardens Test between India and Australia remains iconic. Following on, India were 274 runs behind before VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) added 376 runs, turning the match around. Harbhajan Singh took 13 wickets, including a hat-trick. India won by 171 runs, ending Australia's 16-match winning streak in Tests, marking one of cricket's greatest comebacks. It started a new dawn for Indian cricket.
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Historic win for India
The aforementioned Test was only the third to be won by the team following on. The 2023 Wellington Test between New Zealand and England later joined this elite list.
#2
India hammer Bangladesh in Day-Night fixture, 2019
India defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs in their first-ever Day-Night Test. The historic match was held at Eden Gardens in 2019. Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Shami ran riot with the pink ball as Bangladesh folded twice. Brutal bouncers from the pace trio injured multiple Bangladeshi batters. Virat Kohli became India's first-ever centurion in Day-Night Tests. He scored 136, powering India to 347/9d in their only innings.
#3
India beat England in low-scoring encounter, 1972/73
This one dates back to the 1972/73 series when India beat England by just 28 runs at Eden Gardens. Electing to bat first, India racked up 210 before bowling England out for 174. Despite conceding the lead, the visitors banked on Chris Old and Tony Greig, bowling India out for 155. Chasing 192, the hosts perished for 163. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar and Bishan Singh Bedi shared nine wickets.