Today’s weekend blog is on cricket.
Before the tour of the West Indies in 1971, India had struggled to establish consistency on the international stage, often finding themselves at the receiving end of crushing defeats. However, this tour marked a seismic shift in Indian cricket. With emergence of Sunil Gavaskar, the brilliance of Dilip Sardesai, and dominance of Indian spin quartet, the team achieved an unforgettable series victory against mighty West Indies led by the great Gary Sobers.
In 1962, when India visited West Indies they were trounced 5-0. In 1971, the West Indies were having team which comprised of legends like Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, and Clive Lloyd, yet the Indian team, led by Ajit Wadekar carried an undercurrent of determination, backed by a mix of of experienced players and rising stars.
The series was of five Test matches;
First Test Match- India’s Early Dominance
Rain had wiped out the first day’s play. On the second day, Sobers won the toss and opted to field. Sunil Gavaskar could not make his debut for India, as he was injured, and GR Vishwanath was also injured. India’s batting weakness against pace was soon exposed as the stumbled to 75 for 5. Sardesai found an ally in Eknath Solkar, who was playing his first Test match abroad. Together, they added 137 runs, steering India out of danger, when Solkar perished just short of his century. After that Sardesai shifted gear and he found an able partner in Prasanna, and they added 122 runs for the 9th wicket. Sardesai scored double century (212 runs). India inning ended at 387.
West Indies started brilliantly, but were soon 119 for 3, when Sobers and Kanhai added 64 runs for 4th wicket. But the mighty West Indies could only muster 217 runs, with Prasanna taking 4 for 65. As the game was reduced to four days, India first time enforced forced follow on against West Indies( as India had a lead of 170 runs and reduced follow on margin was now 150 runs). By the end of penultimate day The West Indies had already lost 2 wickets, and India started thinking of a win
However, the final day witnessed shift in momentum. Kanhai, unwavering in his defensive technique, dug in for the long haul. Lloyd had just crossed 50 when he was run out. At this stage, West Indies were still behind. But then came Sobers, his innings of 93 was turning point in the match, and by the. time he departed match had slipped from India’s grasp. Kanhai completed exquisite 158 not out, in a score of 385/5, and match ended in draw.
Second Test Match- A Breakthrough Victory
Sobers won the toss and opted for batting. The surface of the pitch was unpredictable, and looking spin friendly. In a dramatic omen of what was to follow, the very first ball of the match by Abid Ali-a shooter-crashed into Fredricks’ toe and richocheted into his stumps, setting an ominous tone. At one stage, West Indies were 62/4. Sobers fell at 108, and then Charlie Davis steadied the innings with unbeaten 71, and West Indies were all out for 214.
India opened their inning with Ashok Mankad and Sunil Gavaskar, and they added 68 runs for the opening wicket. Then Sardesai and Gavaskar added 96 runs for the 3nd wicket. Gavaskar and Wadekar fell in quick succession, then Sardesai found an able ally in Solkar, and they added 114 run stand for 5th wicket. India finished at the score of 352, with West Indian spinner Jack Noreiga taking 9 for 95.
West Indies in their second innings could score only 261 runs with Fredericks (80) and Charlie Davis (74) were the major contributor. Venkatraghvan taking 5 wickets for 95.
India needed 124 runs for victory, and they achieved this by losing only 3 wickets, with Sunil Gavaskar contributing 67 not out. In the end, it was not just a Test victory that was sealed-it was statement of intent, an assertion that Indian cricket had come of age.
The Third Test- Battling for Supremacy
For the third time in series Sobers won the toss, and opted to bat. West Indies scored 363 with Fredericks (47), Lloyd (60) and Desmond Lewis (81) were the major contributor. They could score 231 for 6 at the end of day one. On the second day the Lloyd and Lewis steadied the West Indian innings and they could reach 363.Venkatraghvan taking 3 for 128 in 59 overs.
While replying, India opened with Mankad and Gavaskar, and their opening stand yielded 72 runs. As expected Sunil Gavaskar scored his first century (116), with other contribution from Vishwanath (50), Sardesai (45), Abid Ali (50). India could finish at 376.
West Indies in their second innings declared 307 for 3 with Charlie Davis 125 and Sobers 108 were main contributor. In the balance time of the 5th day India scored 123 for no loss with Gavaskar 64 & Mankad 53, and match ended in draw.
For the records 4th & 5th Tests also ended in draw, and here are brief scores
4thTest–
West Indies (1st innings) 505/5 declared with Desmond Lewis 88,, Rohan Kanhai 85, Charlie Davis 79, Gary Sobers 178 were the main scorer.
India (1st innings) 347, the main contributor were Dilip Sardesai 150, and Eknath Solkar 65.
West Indies (2nd innings) 180/6 declared, main contributor Fredericks 48, Lloyd 43.
India (2nd innings)- 221/5 with Gavaskar contributing 117.
5th Test
India (1st innings) 360, main contributors were Gavaskar 124 and Sardesai 75, Venkatraghvan 51.
West Indies (1st innings) 526 with Lewis 72, Charlie Davis 105, Sobers 132, Maurice Foster 99.
India ( 2nd innings) 427 with Sunil Gavaskar 220, Wadekar 54.
With 261 required for victory in the 2nd innings, West Indies were struggling at 165 for 8 at the end of 5th day and match ended in draw.
This historic series win paved the way for India’s dominance in the world cricket, marking the beginning of an era where Indian teams no longer feared laying abroad. The echoes of 1971 continue to resonate in the annals of Indian cricket, a reminder of the moment when India truly arrived on the world stage.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
25th April 2025