Adelaide has witnessed some iconic performances by Indian cricket legends, from Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. As India returns to this historic venue for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, memories of past triumphs and unforgettable knocks come alive. While India’s last pink-ball Test here was a low point, with the team bowled out for a record-low 36, Adelaide has also been a stage for some of India’s finest Test performances.
2003: Dravid and Agarkar Break a 22-Year Drought
In 2003, India finally ended their 22-year wait for a Test victory in Adelaide, thanks to stellar performances from Rahul Dravid and Ajit Agarkar. After Ricky Ponting’s mammoth 242 in the first innings, India were under pressure. Dravid and VVS Laxman rose to the occasion, forging a 303-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dravid scored a magnificent 233 off 446 balls, while Laxman added 148 off 282 deliveries.
India’s bowlers then took center stage, with Agarkar delivering a brilliant six-wicket haul to skittle Australia out for 196 in their second innings. Dravid’s unbeaten 72 in the chase sealed a historic win, marking India’s first Test victory in Adelaide since 1981.
2008: Tendulkar and Sehwag Hold the Fort
In the 2008 Adelaide Test, Sachin Tendulkar once again proved his class with a masterful 153 in the first innings, propelling India to a formidable total of 526. Australia responded with centuries from Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, and Matthew Hayden, gaining a slim 37-run lead.
With the match heading towards a possible defeat for India on a challenging pitch, Virender Sehwag stepped up with a counter-attacking 151. His gritty knock ensured India secured a draw, preventing Australia from snatching a late win.
2015: The Kohli Era Begins
The 2015 Adelaide Test marked the dawn of Virat Kohli’s captaincy and a new aggressive approach for Indian cricket. Kohli led from the front with centuries in both innings, scoring 115 and 141 in a match that kept fans on edge.
Although India fell short by 48 runs, the team sent a strong message: they were no longer content with draws in overseas conditions. Kohli’s leadership and his fearless batting set the tone for India’s competitive Test performances in the years to come.
2018: Pujara’s Grit Seals a Historic Win
In 2018, Cheteshwar Pujara showcased incredible resilience to guide India to a 31-run victory in Adelaide, laying the foundation for their first-ever series win on Australian soil. Facing challenging conditions, Pujara’s determined 123 off 246 balls in the first innings helped India post a respectable 250.
India’s bowlers responded brilliantly, restricting Australia to 235, before Pujara again delivered with a steady 71 in the second innings. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin combined to dismantle the Australian batting lineup, securing a memorable win for India.
Adelaide: A Venue of Legends
From Dravid and Agarkar’s heroics to Kohli’s fearless leadership and Pujara’s resilience, Adelaide has been a stage for some of India’s finest Test moments. As India takes on Australia in the upcoming pink-ball Test, they will look to create yet another chapter of brilliance at this iconic venue.
