Kapil Dev's Historic Test Series Victory in England: A Cricketing Milestone

In 1986, Kapil Dev led India to a historic 2-0 Test series victory in England, marking a significant achievement in Indian cricket. This article delves into the matches, key performances, and the legacy of this remarkable series. Discover how players like Dilip Vengsarkar and Chetan Sharma contributed to this iconic win, and relive the moments that defined a generation of cricket fans. Join us as we explore the details of this unforgettable cricketing milestone.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2025, 14:25 IST

A Dream Realized: Kapil Dev's Leadership in 1986

New Delhi, June 18: Renowned Indian all-rounder and captain Kapil Dev inspired a generation to aspire for greatness. During a time when cricket was dominated by teams from Australia, England, and the West Indies, he led India to its first World Cup triumph in 1983. While this achievement is often associated with the 'Haryana Hurricane', his remarkable feat as a Test captain in 1986, where he guided India to a significant 2-0 series victory in England, is less celebrated.

In 1986, fifteen years after Ajit Wadekar's historic win in England, Kapil's squad faced a formidable English team led by Mike Gatting and David Gower. The Indian batting lineup was bolstered by the likes of Mohammed Azharuddin, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar. Additionally, pacer Chetan Sharma and spinner Maninder Singh played pivotal roles throughout the series.

1st Test: India chose to field first at Lord's. Graham Gooch's century (114) highlighted England's total of 294, while Chetan Sharma's impressive five-wicket haul (5/64) stood out. Vengsarkar's unbeaten 126* marked the beginning of his stellar performance in the UK, leading India to 341 runs and a 47-run lead. Kapil's crucial spell of 4/52 in the second innings left England struggling at 35/3. Maninder Singh's 3/9 dismantled the lower order, restricting England to 180 runs and giving India a 133-run lead. Despite some challenges, India successfully chased down the target of 134 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Kapil was named 'Player of the Match' for his five wickets and a quick 23* off 10 balls during the chase.

2nd Test: Moving to Leeds, England faced early setbacks. India opted to bat first, with Vengsarkar scoring a notable 61 in their first innings total of 272 runs. England's Derek Pringle (3/47) and Graham Dilley (3/54) were the standout bowlers. Roger Binny's exceptional spell of 5/40, following Madan Lal's 3/18, saw England bowled out for just 102 runs, trailing by 170 runs.

In the second innings, despite India losing wickets quickly and being reduced to 102/6, Vengsarkar's resilient 102* off 216 balls helped India reach 237 runs, extending their lead to 407 runs. England's chase of 407 proved daunting as Binny (2/18) and Maninder (4/28) restricted them to 128 runs, securing a 279-run victory for India.

Vengsarkar earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his remarkable century.

3rd Test: At Birmingham, England chose to bowl first. Skipper Gatting's impressive 183* off 294 balls propelled England to 390, with Chetan Sharma taking four wickets. India matched England's score, thanks to half-centuries from Mohinder Amarnath (79) and Azharuddin (64). Chetan's outstanding 6/58 in the second innings saw England bowled out for 235 runs on the final day, giving India a chance for a clean sweep. Despite a half-century from Gavaskar (54), India finished at 174/5, drawing the match and clinching the series trophy.

Top performers for India included: Dilip Vengsarkar (360 runs in three matches, with two centuries and a fifty), Sunil Gavaskar (175 runs with a fifty), and Mohinder Amarnath (172 runs at an average of 43.00). On the bowling front, Chetan Sharma led with 16 wickets at an average of 18.75, while Maninder Singh and Roger Binny each took 12 wickets in the series.