Top 5 India vs West Indies encounters

2) The summer of 71, 6-10 March, 1971

This was the victory which announced India to the world stage. A team of no hopers, who sometimes won at home, but could never win away (unless the opposition was New Zealand).

With the emergence of a world class opener, the resurgence of a veteran and some really good spin bowlers, India were suddenly an opposition to contend with. And lo and behold they managed to topple the giants in their backyard.

True, the Windies were in the midst of a 6 year spell, when they did not win any series. Also, their devastating battery of fast bowlers would emerge a few years down the line. Still, India’s victory was equivalent to Bangladesh beating South Africa (sans Steyn and Morkel) in South Africa.

Incidentally, this match saw the debut of Sunil Gavaskar, who would go on to rewrite batting records over the next 16 years. At Port of Spain, Gary Sobers elected to bat, but his team were bowled out for 214 after some good work from India’s bowlers.

In reply, Gavaskar’s 65 and a century by veteran, Dilip Sardesai led India to 352. Armed with a healthy lead, India’s spinners ran through West Indies and left India a target of 124.

India started strongly and although, 3 wickets fell in quick succession, Gavaskar remained unbeaten till the end on 67 and saw India to victory. The match saw memorable performances everyone in the Indian XI.

Incidentally, this was the first time India had beaten West Indies. Banking on this win, India then went on to win the 5 match series 1-0. Gavaskar of course finished with an aggregate of 774 runs in 4 matches. He had missed the first.

Later that year, Wadekar’s men would achieve another first by beating England in England.