Top 3 iconic Test spells by Indian bowlers against England on English soil

As India prepared for the upcoming five-match Test series in England starting June 20, all eyes are on newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant. This tour is India's first series post the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

England’s swinging and seaming conditions are known to test the best batters. Over the years, Indian bowlers have come up to the occasion in these challenging conditions, delivering memorable spells. The English pitches tend to help seamers, especially with the Dukes ball and the overcast conditions. While India has won a Test series in England only thrice, in 1971, 1986, and 2007, these victories have often come due to brilliant bowling performances. Over the years, many Indian bowlers have come to England and understood the conditions well, playing them to their advantage. 

Iconic Test spells by Indian bowlers against England on English soil:

3. 6/38 - Bhagwat Chandrashekhar, The Oval, 1971:

Bhagwat Chandrasekhar’s spell of 6/38 at The Oval in 1971 is one of the most iconic bowling performances by an Indian in England. This match-inning spell was the turning point that handed India its first-ever Test victory in England. On a spin-friendly surface, Chandrasekhar's brilliance with the ball in England's second innings, running through their lineup in 18.1 overs.

His leg-spin troubled the English batters, sending them packing for just 101, their lowest total against India since 1936. His victims included Brian Luckhurst, Ray Illingworth, Keith Fletcher, John Edrich, John Snow, and John Price. The visitors, needing 173 for victory, went on to reach the target with four wickets. The Karnataka-born finished the Test with eight wickets. Notably, in that series, he was the joint-highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps in six innings.