Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024/25: Can India on Foreign Soil Repeat This 53-Year-Old Feat?

Credit -- Outlook India

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off in Perth, where India seeks to overcome recent Test setbacks against New Zealand and battle Australia for cricketing supremacy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 began with a fierce battle as India and Australia locked horns at the Optus Stadium in Perth. For India, it is a chance to bounce back after a humiliating 3-0 home whitewash against New Zealand—a first in 92 years. Meanwhile, Australia looks to thwart India's dream of a hat-trick of series wins. The opening day set the tone as India, electing to bat, were bowled out for 150. The series promises to test India's mettle on foreign soil, with WTC stakes adding to the pressure.

A 53-year-old memory of triumph

India's five-Test series history has rarely produced wins. In 15 such encounters, their only victory came in 1971 against the mighty West Indies. That series remains iconic for Sunil Gavaskar's remarkable debut, where he scored 774 runs, and Ajit Wadekar's leadership that led India to a historic 1-0 triumph. The second Test in Port-of-Spain, where India chased down 124, marked their first win in the Caribbean. It was a moment that changed Indian cricket forever, demonstrating their ability to triumph against the giants.

The First Test: Sardesai's heroics

The 1971 series opener in Kingston saw India struggle initially, reduced to 75/5 before Dilip Sardesai's 212 rescued the innings. Supported by Eknath Solkar's gritty 61, India posted 387. Prasanna's four-wicket haul bundled the Windies for 217, forcing a follow-on. However, Rohan Kanhai's unbeaten 158 ensured the match ended in a draw. Sardesai's knock salvaged the match and set the tone for India's resilience. It showcased the grit that Wadekar's men would carry through the series.

Second Test: Gavaskar's grand arrival

Sunil Gavaskar announced himself in the second Test, scoring 65 and an unbeaten 67 in India's seven-wicket win. Charlie Davis' 71 had initially guided West Indies to 214, but Indian spinners Venkataraghavan and Bedi dismantled them in the second innings. With a target of 124, Gavaskar and Mankad's opening stand laid the foundation, and despite a brief scare, the debutant ensured victory. This match, marked by Gavaskar's composure, remains one of India's most cherished Test victories.

Battles in Georgetown and Bridgetown

The third Test in Georgetown saw Gavaskar score his maiden Test century, a sublime 116, alongside contributions from Viswanath and Sardesai. Despite Sobers' all-round brilliance, the match ended in a draw. The fourth Test in Bridgetown was a test of survival for India. Sobers' unbeaten 178 declared West Indies to 501/5, leaving India reeling at 70/6. Sardesai's 150 and Solkar's 65 saved India from collapse, as Gavaskar's unbeaten 117 in the second innings ensured another hard-fought draw.

'Gavaskar's Test' in Port-of-Spain

The final Test at Port-of-Spain belonged to Sunil Gavaskar. Scoring 124 in the first innings and a marathon 220 in the second, he dominated the mighty West Indies attack. Supported by Venkataraghavan's half-century and contributions from Sardesai, India posted 360. Sobers' 132 helped West Indies take the lead, but Gavaskar's monumental effort ensured India held on for a draw. This match underlined Gavaskar's genius and cemented his legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats.

Can India rewrite history?

As India faces Australia in the 2024/25 BGT, parallels to the 1971 triumph inspire hope. The WTC stakes make this series even more crucial. The road ahead is daunting, with matches at venues like Adelaide and Gabba, where conditions favour Australia. But just as the Wadekar-led team defied the odds in 1971, India's current squad has the chance to script history. To do so, they will need the same resilience, team effort, and individual brilliance that defined their triumph 53 years ago.