Introduction: As India prepares to face England in a highly anticipated five-match Test series starting on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds, the stage is set for another chapter in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries. This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and with history on the line, Indian batters will look to draw inspiration from some unforgettable performances on English soil. Let’s rewind and celebrate the top 5 Test knocks by Indian batters in England during the 21st century, showcasing grit, skill, and sheer brilliance.
1. Rahul Dravid’s Unbeaten 146 at The Oval (2011): In a disastrous 2011 tour where India suffered a 4-0 whitewash, one man stood tall amidst the ruins—Rahul Dravid, aptly nicknamed ‘The Wall’. His unbeaten 146 at The Oval was a masterclass in resilience. Opening the innings, Dravid faced 266 balls, striking 20 boundaries with unwavering focus. Despite India’s loss by an innings, his knock remains a testament to his unyielding determination and ability to shield the team under pressure. Dravid ended the series with three centuries, a rare bright spot in a dark chapter for Indian cricket.
2. Rohit Sharma’s Patient 127 at The Oval (2021): Questions about Rohit Sharma’s overseas record were emphatically answered in the fourth Test of the 2021 series at The Oval. Trailing by 99 runs, India needed a hero, and Rohit delivered with a composed 127 off 256 balls, laced with 14 fours and a six. His calmness under pressure turned the game, leading India to a 157-run victory and leveling the series at 2-2. This innings, blending caution with flair, is etched in memory as one of Rohit’s finest Test knocks abroad.
3. KL Rahul’s Stylish 129 at Lord’s (2021): Scoring a century at the ‘Home of Cricket’ is a dream for any batter, and KL Rahul lived it in style during the second Test of the 2021 series. His 129, crafted over 250 balls with 12 fours and a six, laid a solid foundation alongside Rohit Sharma through a 123-run opening stand. Rahul’s effort propelled India to 364 in the first innings, paving the way for a 151-run triumph. His elegance and composure under English skies made this knock a fan favorite.
4. Virat Kohli’s Defiant 149 at Edgbaston (2018): Before the 2018 series, critics doubted Virat Kohli’s ability to dominate in England. He silenced them with a breathtaking 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston. Walking in at 54/2, Kohli battled James Anderson and Stuart Broad, striking 22 fours and a six. Though India fell short by 31 runs in a tightly contested match and lost the series 4-1, Kohli’s innings showcased his leadership and fighting spirit, cementing it as one of his greatest overseas performances.
5. Ajinkya Rahane’s Gritty 103 at Lord’s (2014): India’s lone victory in the 2014 series came at Lord’s, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane’s courageous 103 off 154 balls. On a seaming track, Rahane defied the conditions with 15 fours and a six, forging a crucial 90-run stand with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His century helped India post 295, setting up a historic 95-run win. This iconic performance remains one of India’s most cherished overseas Test victories, highlighting Rahane’s knack for rising in adversity.
IND vs ENG 2025 Test Series Schedule: The upcoming clash promises high-octane action across iconic venues. Mark your calendars for:
– First Test: June 20-24, Headingley (Leeds)
– Second Test: July 2-6, Edgbaston (Birmingham)
– Third Test: July 10-14, Lord’s (London)
– Fourth Test: July 23-27, Old Trafford (Manchester)
– Fifth Test: July 31-August 4, The Oval (London)
Conclusion: As India embarks on this challenging journey in England, these iconic innings by Dravid, Rohit, Rahul, Kohli, and Rahane serve as beacons of inspiration. From defying hostile conditions to rewriting personal narratives, these batters have shown what it takes to conquer English challenges. With the new WTC cycle underway, fans eagerly await fresh heroics. Can the current Indian lineup replicate such magic and carve their names into history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—cricket in England is never short of drama.