From Tendulkar’s elegance to Pant’s flair, Indian batters have carved out bold knocks at Edgbaston—even when the scoreboard didn’t favour them
India, once again facing a crucial moment as they prepare for the second Test at Edgbaston, is trailing 0-1 in the series. The defeat at Leeds still stings—five Indian centuries and yet no victory. It's a tough pill to swallow. England's record-breaking run chase stunned the cricketing world, and Shubman Gill's captaincy started with heartbreak. Now, Birmingham awaits.
Edgbaston is no stranger to drama. If history is any guide, Indian batters have often shone at this ground, even when victories eluded them.
Here's a look back at four memorable centuries scored by Indians at Edgbaston.
India's 2018 tour of England began right here in Birmingham. The first Test was a rollercoaster, and one man stood tall amidst the chaos—Virat Kohli.
India was batting second after England posted 287. At one point, the visitors were reeling at 100/5. Kohli dug in, fought tooth and nail, and crafted a masterclass—149 runs off 225 balls. It wasn't just about numbers but silencing critics, leading from the front, and almost hauling India into a lead. Thanks to his knock, India ended just 13 runs behind.
But the fight didn't end there. Kohli returned in the fourth innings with another half-century (51). Yet, India fell short, losing by 31 runs. It was a defeat, but Kohli had announced his dominance on English soil.
Credit: NDTV
Flash forward to July 2022. India was leading the series 2-1 when the postponed fifth Test began in Birmingham. England had the early advantage, reducing India to 98/5.
Then came Rishabh Pant. He didn't just steady the ship—he took it on a joyride. His blistering 146 off just 111 balls changed the rhythm of the game. Boundaries flowed off his bat, the English bowlers had no answers, and before long, India had surged past 400.
Pant's century, marked by fearless stroke play and confidence, gave India a competitive total. Unfortunately, England executed another massive chase—378 runs—with Root and Bairstow unbeaten. Pant had done his part, but it wasn't enough to avoid defeat.
Credit: Outlook India
Often celebrated for his all-round skills, Ravindra Jadeja became a specialist batter in that same 2022 Edgbaston Test. While Pant stole the thunder, Jadeja quietly crafted an innings of his own—104 runs in the first innings from 194 balls.
He was calm, composed, and played with intent. Jadeja didn't chase bowlers recklessly. He built his innings steadily and contributed valuable runs down the order. His partnership with Pant was vital in India reaching 416.
Once again, the pattern repeated. A solid total; Indian bowlers battling hard, but England chasing it down. Nevertheless, Jadeja's century stood tall—a symbol of resilience in challenging conditions.
Back in 1996, a young Sachin Tendulkar walked into a collapsing Indian innings at Edgbaston. India was 0-1 down in the Test and following on after being bowled out for 214 in the first innings.
In the second, Tendulkar put his head down and played one of his early defining innings abroad—122 runs off 177 balls. While wickets kept tumbling around him, Sachin was in a different zone altogether. Classy drives, textbook defence, clever footwork—he showed the world that India had found their next great.
India only managed 219 in that innings, setting England a target of just 121. The hosts chased it with ease, but Tendulkar had announced his arrival on English turf.
