India's Greatest Cricketing Moments
Epic wins, record-breaking knocks, and the games we'll never forget.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its grand finale, and with it comes the kind of cricketing spectacle that defines eras. India, after a commanding four-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal, finds itself on the brink of yet another milestone, facing New Zealand under the lights of Dubai International Stadium.
This tournament has delivered its share of gripping narratives—nail-biting finishes, career-defining performances, and a showcase of raw talent that has kept fans on edge. Now, under the floodlights of Dubai, a new chapter in Indian cricket could be written.
You May Also Like: India Vs Pakistan: 5 Iconic Victories For The Men In Blue
But as the cricketing world braces for one more chapter in this storied rivalry, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the nostalgia of the moments that made India a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Cricket in India isn’t just a sport; it’s a living, breathing entity woven into the fabric of the nation. From the heady triumphs of the past to the heartbreaks that fuelled future comebacks, each milestone has cemented India's stature as a cricketing powerhouse.
As the Men in Blue prepare to etch their names into history once more, we take a step back to relive some of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket.
1983 World Cup Triumph - India's First World Cup Win
If Indian cricket had a coming-of-age moment, it arrived on June 25, 1983. Under the unflinching leadership of Kapil Dev, India defied all odds to topple Clive Lloyd’s all-conquering West Indies at Lord’s, scripting a 43-run victory that would change the sport in the country forever. This wasn’t just about lifting the Prudential World Cup —this moment proved that India belonged among the elite. The defining image of Kapil lifting the trophy, beaming with pride, remains an enduring symbol of self-belief and possibility. His match-winning 175 against Zimbabwe in the group stage, played with India reeling at 17-5, set the tone for what was to come.
You May Also Like: It’s the Gentleman’s Game: A Note on Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm (1998)
Cricketing folklore is often built on individual brilliance, and few innings are as immortal as Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Desert Storm’ in 1998. Under the sweltering Sharjah heat, against an Australian attack featuring Shane Warne and Damien Fleming, Tendulkar unleashed a masterclass, scoring 143 in a knock laced with technical perfection and raw aggression. It wasn’t just about the runs—it was about the sheer will to win, the ability to rise against the tide. This innings not only secured India's place in the final but also cemented Tendulkar’s status as the game’s ultimate big-match player.
Anil Kumble’s Perfect Ten (1999)
Test cricket is often described as a battle of patience and skill, and few spells encapsulate this better than Anil Kumble’s astonishing 10-wicket haul against Pakistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla in 1999. Becoming only the second bowler in history to achieve the feat, Kumble’s 10/74 dismantled Pakistan in a display of relentless accuracy and mental fortitude. The sight of him, arms raised in triumph, with the scoreboard reading ‘All 10’, remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian cricket.
Yuvraj Singh's Six Sixes (2007)
T20 cricket is built for fireworks, but even in this high-octane format, Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in the inaugural T20 World Cup stands apart. Fuelled by a heated exchange with Andrew Flintoff, Yuvraj launched into Broad with audacious strokes, dispatching each ball beyond the ropes in a show of sheer dominance. This was more than just a statistical feat—it was the defining moment of India's campaign, setting the tone for their eventual triumph in the tournament.
You May Also Like: Could Abhishek Really Be The Next Yuvraj?
Kolkata's Test Miracle (2001)
The 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia is the kind of match that reminds you why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. Following on after a crushing first-innings deficit, India—led by VVS Laxman’s imperious 281 and Rahul Dravid’s resolute 180—staged an almost mythical comeback at Eden Gardens. Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick, Ganguly’s aggressive captaincy, and an inspired turnaround saw India snap Australia’s 16-match winning streak. This wasn’t just a series win; it was the dawn of a new India—fearless, unrelenting, and ready to take on the world.
2007 T20 World Cup Win
A young MS Dhoni-led India arrived at the inaugural T20 World Cup as underdogs, only to leave as pioneers. The final against Pakistan in Johannesburg was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a last-over finish where Dhoni handed the ball to the unheralded Joginder Sharma. With just one wicket in hand, Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq attempted an audacious scoop shot, only to be caught by Sreesanth, sparking wild celebrations. This victory ignited India’s love affair with T20 cricket, laying the foundation for the IPL and a new era of Indian dominance.
India's World Cup Victory in 2011
The dream of a billion people was realised on April 2, 2011, as India lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium. After a pressure-cooker chase against Sri Lanka, MS Dhoni sealed the win in emphatic style, launching Nuwan Kulasekara into the stands with his now-iconic helicopter shot. The image of Sachin Tendulkar being carried on the shoulders of his teammates remains etched in history, a fitting tribute to the man who had been the heartbeat of Indian cricket for over two decades.
Sachin Tendulkar's 100th International Century (2012)
Milestones come and go, but some are truly special. Tendulkar’s 100th international century, scored against Bangladesh in 2012, was one such moment. After months of anticipation, the Master Blaster reached the landmark that no cricketer before him had even dreamed of. While the match itself may have lacked drama, the sheer magnitude of the achievement ensured its place in cricketing folklore.