The World Test Championship (WTC) has been a platform for cricketers around the world to showcase their skills in the longest format of the game. For India, the WTC has been a stage for several iconic performances that have shaped the team’s journey in the competition. From match-winning centuries to brilliant bowling spells, Indian cricketers have delivered some memorable performances that have left a lasting mark on WTC history.
In this blog, we will dive into the top 3 WTC performances by Indian cricketers, highlighting their crucial contributions that played a pivotal role in India’s rise in the WTC rankings and their journey towards the inaugural WTC Final in 2021.
1. Rishabh Pant’s Match-Winning Knock in Brisbane 2021
Match: India vs. Australia, The Gabba, Brisbane
Performance: Unbeaten 89* in the 4th innings
Arguably one of the most iconic performances by an Indian cricketer in WTC history, Rishabh Pant’s fearless knock in the fourth innings of the Brisbane Test is etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide. With India chasing a daunting target of 328 runs on the final day, Pant played one of the most daring and impactful innings in recent Test history.
Why It Stands Out:
- Rishabh Pant defied the Australian bowlers, including the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, with his fearless stroke play and impeccable timing.
- His unbeaten 89 helped India cross the finish line and claim a historic victory in Brisbane, a ground where Australia had not lost a Test in 33 years.
- This match-winning knock not only sealed the series win but also confirmed India’s place in the WTC Final 2021.
Pant’s knock was a testament to his maturity and ability to rise to the occasion under pressure, cementing his status as one of India’s brightest stars in the WTC.
2. Ajinkya Rahane’s Captaincy and Century in Melbourne 2020
Match: India vs. Australia, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Performance: 112 runs in India’s first innings
India’s journey in the WTC was marred by adversity, especially after the Adelaide debacle where they were bowled out for a historic low of 36. However, Ajinkya Rahane, leading the team in Virat Kohli’s absence, responded with one of the finest captaincy performances in Indian cricket history.
In the second Test at Melbourne, Rahane’s resilience and determination were on full display as he scored a crucial century in India’s first innings, leading his team to a challenging total. His 112 runs helped India bounce back in the series after the devastating loss in Adelaide, and the victory at the MCG was a turning point in their WTC campaign.
Why It Stands Out:
- Rahane’s century was a captain’s knock under immense pressure, taking India to a commanding total after the team had suffered an early collapse.
- His leadership throughout the match, maintaining calm in the face of adversity, inspired the entire team, leading to a famous win.
- This performance not only gave India their first victory in the WTC series against Australia but also set the stage for a historic series win in the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rahane’s calmness, both as a leader and as a batsman, makes this performance one of the defining moments in WTC history.
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3. Ravichandran Ashwin’s All-Round Brilliance in Chennai 2021
Match: India vs. England, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Performance: 6/61 in England’s first innings & crucial runs with the bat
Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-round brilliance in the second Test against England in February 2021 played a key role in India’s commanding 317-run victory. Ashwin, known for his magical spells as a spinner, was also instrumental with the bat in this match, contributing with a crucial 42 runs in India’s first innings, helping them set a competitive total.
His 6-wicket haul in England’s first innings helped India gain a dominant position, and Ashwin’s efforts with both bat and ball were integral to India’s victory in the Test. This performance was one of the standout moments of India’s WTC campaign and was crucial in their bid to make the WTC Final 2021.
Why It Stands Out:
- Ashwin’s 6-wicket haul on a turning Chennai pitch demonstrated his mastery of spin and ability to bowl under pressure.
- His batting performance, where he added valuable runs in India’s total, showcased his all-round skills, making him one of the most valuable players in the WTC.
- This performance helped India level the series against England, and the eventual victory in the series was vital for India’s progression to the WTC Final.
Ashwin’s performance in Chennai highlighted his invaluable contribution to India’s success in the WTC, both as a bowler and a batsman.
Honorable Mentions:
While the performances by Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin stand out, there have been several other remarkable contributions by Indian cricketers in the WTC:
- Virat Kohli: Kohli’s contributions as captain and batsman have been critical in India’s WTC journey. His leadership and consistency with the bat have been key to India’s success in the tournament.
- Shubman Gill: The young opener’s brilliant 91 against Australia in the 2020-2021 series in Brisbane showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
- Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah: Both pacers have been instrumental in India’s WTC bowling attack, providing key breakthroughs with their pace and aggression.
Conclusion
The Top 3 WTC performances by Indian cricketers have not only been game-changers but also served as defining moments in the history of the World Test Championship. Whether it’s Rishabh Pant’s fearless knock, Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership and resilience, or Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-round brilliance, these performances have solidified India’s place as one of the most formidable teams in the world.
With the WTC Final 2025 on the horizon, fans eagerly await more such performances from their favorite Indian cricketers. Who do you think will shine in the upcoming cycles of the WTC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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