Team India have been unbeaten at home in Tests since 2013 with 17-series win streak. What makes India a difficult destination for touring teams? Who are the stalwart of India's dominance in Tests?
As Team India embark on their journey aiming to reach Lord's for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, beginning with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, they carry with them a legacy of unparalleled success at home. The Men in Blue have not only established themselves as a dominant force in international cricket but have also maintained an astonishing unbeaten streak in Test matches played on their home soil for over a decade.
The challenge of playing in India
For any foreign team, playing a Test match in India is a real challenge these days. The combination of sub-continental conditions and facing some of the world's premier bowlers make it one of the most daunting experiences for visiting teams. Indian pitches, known for their slow nature and tendency to spin, pose significant difficulties for batters unfamiliar with such environments. Historically, India batters have thrived in these conditions, making the most of familiar pitches to score runs effectively.
Unstoppable home dominance
Since 2013, India’s cricket team have been an unstoppable force at home, boasting an incredible 17-series unbeaten streak in Test cricket. This level of dominance parallels only that of the great Australia teams of the 1990s and 2000s. The Aussies also showcased exceptional home dominance. However, unlike Australia, India's home run has remained largely uninterrupted, even when key players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja have been absent at times.
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The lethal bowling attack
The mantra that "bowlers win Test matches" has been ingrained in Indian cricket philosophy for years. Former coach Ravi Shastri emphasised the importance of taking ten wickets every innings, a directive that has been internalised by the India bowlers. Since March 2013, India’s bowling unit has managed to take wickets at a remarkable rate, averaging one every 51 balls or less.
The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has been particularly lethal, collectively claiming over 500 wickets at an astonishing average of 20 and an economy rate of less than three. For opposing batters, facing this pair is a daunting task; merely surviving their onslaught is an achievement.
In addition to Ashwin and Jadeja, India boasts a third spinner, whether it is Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav, who can further complicate matters for visiting batters. Both have impressive statistics, and while Kuldeep Yadav, despite his talent, has played only a handful of Tests, his impact has been significant.
The fast-bowling contingent, led by Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, has also played a vital role, contributing nearly a third of India's wickets during this dominant period. Their ability to adapt and perform in various conditions adds another layer of strength to India's bowling attack.
The nature of Indian wickets
Indian pitches are characteristically slow and spin-friendly, making them particularly challenging for visiting teams from countries like Australia, England, and South Africa, which are accustomed to seam-friendly conditions. The stark difference in pitch behaviour can be a shock for teams not used to such conditions, especially in the face of India’s exceptional spin attack.
In recent years, Indian authorities have tailored the pitches to create rank-turners that have proven exceptionally difficult for visiting teams. Since 2021, most matches have concluded within three to four days, emphasising the challenges posed by these surfaces. The versatility in pitch preparation allows India to create conditions that either favour spin or pace, depending on the series.
Batting depth and talent
Batting is another critical component of Test success, and India are blessed to have some of the greatest modern batters. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara have consistently excelled, particularly on home soil. Their ability to score runs across various conditions contributes to India's batting strength.
Alongside established stars, younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Axar Patel have emerged, adding depth and versatility to the batting line-up. This collective strength enables India to post imposing totals on flat wickets and competitive scores on spin-friendly surfaces.
In terms of individual performance, Kohli and Sharma boast averages exceeding 60 in home Tests over the last decade, while Pujara has been a reliable performer with an impressive average of 49.
Contributions from the Lower Order
India’s lower-order batters are not to be underestimated. With players like Ashwin and Axar Patel capable of scoring crucial runs, the batting line-up has a resilience that can prevent collapses. The presence of wicketkeepers who can contribute with the bat, such as Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, adds an extra layer of depth, making it challenging for opposition bowlers to claim quick wickets.
A legacy of hunger and determination
India’s cricket team's desire to dominate at home and internationally can be traced back to the 2000s, a period marked by a significant fixing scandal that shook the foundation of Indian cricket. Under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly, the team began to transform into a formidable unit. This legacy of strength was passed on to MS Dhoni and later to Virat Kohli, under whose leadership India achieved milestones that were once considered distant dreams.
India became the world's number one Test side. They also achieved a historic Test series victory in Australia in the 2018-19 seasSon. This success continued with their triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21, proving their mettle even in the absence of key players.
The continuity of excellence
Currently, the mantle has been passed to Rohit Sharma, who continues the tradition of home dominance. The hunger to succeed is palpable among the players, who are driven not just by individual accolades but by a collective desire to cement India's place as a powerhouse in world cricket.
Every player embodies the spirit of a warrior, exemplified by the grit shown by Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari during the remarkable draw in Sydney in 2021, despite suffering injuries. This mentality—combined with skill, temperament, and a relentless will to succeed—forms the backbone of India's dominance in Test cricket.
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