5 Times India came back from the dead in a Test match

1) India vs Australia at Kolkata in March 2001

VVS Laxman

This is the famous Kolkata Test of 2001 which is written in golden letters in the history of Indian Cricket. India were bowled out for a paltry 171 runs in reply to Australia’s mammoth first innings total of 445 runs. Australia didn’t hesitate to enforce the follow-on either. But they hardly saw what was coming ahead.

What came afterwards was a storm and Australia got themselves caught in the midst of an Indian batting whirlwind. VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid shared a massive fifth-wicket stand of 376 runs and blew Australia completely out of the equation.

While Laxman went on to pile 281 runs, Dravid proved himself no less as he made his way to a splendid knock of 180 runs as well. The two batting maestros played with pomp, power and grandeur, thus landing a direct blow on the tough mentality of the Australian players who stressed on playing hard with an attacking mindset. India declared on a score of 657/7 and hence left Australia to chase down 384 runs for a victory.

After a batting masterclass, it was time for the bowlers to respond to the situation. And it was Harbhajan Singh who ran through the Australian batting line-up claiming 6 wickets for 73 runs after toiling hard for 30.3 overs. Sachin Tendulkar dealt some important blows too as he registered bowling figures of 11-3-31-3. Australia were finally bowled out for 212 runs as India completed a famous 171-run victory.