Recap: Top 5 moments from India’s WTC 2023 campaign
Team India’s aspiration of lifting a major ICC trophy for the first time since 2013 ended in heartbreak as they came second best in the World Test Championship Final against Australia. It was the batting effort from some of the high-profile names that led the team down at The Oval. However, there were several noteworthy moments from India’s 2021-23 WTC cycle.
Virat Kohli’s spirited India keeps his head high on English shores
A lethal fast-bowling attack saw India bad an unassailable series lead during the Test series against England in 2021. However, they could not bag the series after the Covid-19 outbreak forced the last Test match to be rescheduled, which they lost in 2022.
India defeat New Zealand at home to avenge WTC Final loss
The Kiwis managed to cling onto a hard-fought draw in the Test series opener in Kanpur. However, they could not avoid the inevitable as the Indians claimed a victory in the second Test to clinch the series despite Ajaz Patel’s historic ten-wicket haul in Mumbai.
A bright start in South Africa fizzles out in disappointment
A dazzling performance by the Indian pacers, especially Mohammed Shami, saw Virat Kohli’s team breach South Africa’s fortress in Centurion in the Test series opener. However, the home side completed a remarkable turnaround by winning the next two matches to claim the series.
Virat Kohli leaves in controversial circumstances
Following the Test series defeat to the Proteas Indian skipper Virat Kohli resigned from his role as the captain of the side. While he cited the workload to be the reason behind his decision, rumours of a rift with BCCI were understood to be the driving force behind his unforeseen resignation.
Rohit Sharma’s first big Test as captain
Following Kohli’s decision to step down from the captaincy role, Indian opener Rohit Sharma was handed the responsibility to lead the side in the longest format of the game. While his first assignment as the full-time Test skipper saw India ease past Sri Lanka at home, a triumphant Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia proved his mettle.
