Independence Day 2018 Special: Here's a Look at Some of India’s Achievements in Cricket in Last 72 Years

Cricket comes across as the most loved sport of India. It is a cliche, but it is a fact! India has given some great names to cricket, and it is a pretty long list. As India, celebrates its 72nd Independence Day on August 15, 2018 (today), we handpicked some of the country’s achievements in cricket in last 72 years. Interestingly, the Indian cricket team made its Test debut before the Independence. In 1932, CK Nayudu-led India toured England.

However, India’s first Test series as an independent nation took place in November-December in 1947 against Sir Donald Bradman-led Australian team. Australia was the second team apart from England, India faced in a Test series. It was a two-match series and Australia won it 1-0 as the Indian team drew the last match. Lala Amarnath was the captain of India. Independence Day 2018: Why do we Celebrate Independence Day?

Unlike Test cricket, India played its first One-Day International (ODI) after the independence as the limited-overs format was first introduced in 1971. India’s first ODI was just the 12th overall and Ajit Wadekar was the captain of the side. India then went on to dominate the world cricket step-by-step. Here’s a look at some achievements: Independence Day Special: 8 Indians Who Made India Proud Globally

Two World Cup Titles: India has lifted World Cup twice. The country’s first title came in 1983 when India, the underdogs, stunned mighty West Indies. It was the third World Cup and West Indies had won the previous two editions. The Kapil Dev-led side won the final by 43 runs. India’s second title came in 2011, under MS Dhoni’s leadership. The 2011 World Cup was played in India. And India became the first country to win the World Cup at home. In the final, India defeated neighbours Sri Lanka by six wickets.

World T20 Champions: In 2007, India won the inaugural edition of World T20. India defeated rivals Pakistan by five runs in the final to win the title. The victory marked India’s new era under Dhoni and the team went on to clinch many more glories.

Number One in Tests: In 2009, India achieved the numero uno position in Tests. India became only the third team after Australia and South Africa to occupy the top spot since the Test Championship was first introduced in May 2001. The stepping stone of India’s success in Test cricket was laid by Sourav Ganguly and Dhoni continued the legacy.

Champions Trophy in Kitty: In 2002, India were named as joint-winners of the Champions Trophy after the final was abandoned twice due to rains. However, India won the Champions Trophy in 2013 in England by defeating the home side by five runs. This final was affected by rain as well and the match was reduced to 20 overs per side.

The Land of Double Centurions: Till now a double-century has been scored eight times in ODIs. And out of these, five have been registered by Indian batsmen. Sachin Tendulkar, on February 24, became the first batsman to score a double-century in ODIs when he achieved the feat against South Africa. Virender Sehwag in 2011 then repeated the feat against West Indies. In 2013 against Australia, Rohit Sharma became the third Indian batsman to register a double century in ODIs. The talented right-hander then went on to smash two more double tons, a record in itself. His knock of 264 against Sri Lanka at Kolkata is the highest individual score in ODIs.

And, IPL: The introduction of T20 format gave birth to cricket leagues across the world. Most Test playing nations have a T20 league of their own. However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands out. Introduced in 2007, IPL is now 11 seasons old and is most lucrative cricket league in the world. Players from all over the world have participated in the IPL. It has become an ‘annual pilgrimage’ for overseas cricketers. It has money, and it has quality cricket as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2018 08:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).