8. Ishant Sharma 7-74 VS England at Lords, 2014
Since 2011, India’s poor performance in test cricket was proving to be a nightmare for Captain Dhoni. India had been struggling to produce good fast bowlers in the absence of Zaheer Khan, thereby disappointing the fans in England and Australia. The summer of 2014 in England changed the course of Indian bowling attack to some extent. India somehow managed to draw the first test in Nottingham with their firm gameplay. However, the case was not quite the same in the 2nd test. where India were put to bat by England and hence ended with a decent 295 on a green pitch which favoured the bowlers. England were bowled out for 319 with help of astounding display of spells by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Contributions by Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar down the order helped India set a target of 319 for England. England were 4 down for 80 runs, when Joe Root came to the crease and eventually orchestrated a 100 run stand with Moen Ali. They picked the length with decision and were playing wonderfully. Suddenly Dhoni commanded Ishant Sharma to bowl short from around the wicket. Ishant Sharma’s sudden rise in speed enticed the batsmen to pull and hence ended up taking the next 6 wickets. His famous spell not only took his team a step ahead of England in the series, but also helped India to register a historic win at Lord’s after 28 years.
