'When India refused to bow down' : Five instances when India snatched a win from jaws of defeat

Over the years, there have been many memorable games for India. Among them, there were a few instances where the Asian side looked completely down and out but still managed to make a spectacular comeback and win the game. As the old saying goes, "never underestimate India". Thus, there are some comebacks that the fans of Indian cricket would cherish forever. Today, we shall be taking a look at the top five greatest comebacks of the Indian team.

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1) India vs Australia (Kolkata, 2001):

The Test between India and Australia at the Eden Gardens is undoubtedly one of the greatest comebacks in the history of cricket. After the Aussies scored 445 in the first innings, the Ganguly-led side were bundled out for 171. After being asked to Follow-on, India were having a collapse before the duo of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid put on a massive partnership and took India from 254/4 to 608/4. This resulted in the hosts setting the visitors a target of 384, which they failed to chase. Laxman won the player of the match award for his 281.

2) India vs West Indies (1983 World Cup Final, Lord's, 1983):

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This was the moment that changed Indian cricket forever. During the all-important final of the 1983 50-over WC, India, under the leadership of Kapil Dev, successfully defended a modest total of 183. The Windies were bundled out by India for a score of 140 at Lord's, which led to the Dev-led side winning the World Cup. This victory went on to inspire several generations.

3) India vs Zimbabwe (1983 World Cup, Tunbridge Wells, 1983):

Before the World Cup final, India were put to test by Zimbabwe during the initial stage of the tournament. After being reduced to 17/5 in the first innings, the Asian sided looked helpless before their captain Kapil Dev produced one of the all-time great knocks. He scored 175 from just 138 deliveries and single-handedly took India to 266. Post which, Zimbabwe fell short of the target by 31 runs. Riding on Kapil Dev's 175, India scripted one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

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4) India vs Sri Lanka (2011 World Cup Final, Mumbai, 2011)

Although India made it to the WC final in 2011 and looked confident throughout the tournament, Sri Lanka weren't a team to go down without a fight and gave India a stiff target of 275 to chase in the second innings. The Dhoni-led side then lost their openers for literally nothing on the board.

Post which, a superb 97 by Gautam Gambhir and an unbeaten 91 by the skipper MS Dhoni ensured that India lift the biggest cricketing trophy after 28 years. This comeback is probably one of the most memorable ones in Indian cricket.

5) India vs Australia (Brisbane, 2021):

With half of their side injured, not many would have given India a chance of breaching Australia's fortress. However, a splendid effort by the youngsters ensured that the visitors chase 328, and win a game which will be remembered for ages. An unbeaten 89 by Rishabh Pant in the fourth innings made sure that the Rahane-led side end on the winning side at the Gabba