Introduction: A Decade of Drama and Glory
The last 10 years have been nothing short of legendary for Indian cricket fans. From emotional World Cup campaigns to jaw-dropping individual performances, Team India has gifted its followers some unforgettable memories. Cricket in India is more than just a sport — it’s an emotion, a shared national heartbeat. Over this decade, India has battled giants, created heroes, and built moments that gave fans goosebumps. In this article, we revisit 10 of the most iconic India cricket matches from 2015 to 2025 — the kind that will be remembered for generations.
Table of Contents
1. India vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2016 (Bangalore Thriller)
- Date: March 23, 2016
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Format: T20 World Cup Group Stage
India needed to win this group-stage match to stay alive in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh needed just 2 runs from 3 balls with 3 wickets in hand. What followed was pure madness — a dot ball, two wickets in two balls, and then Dhoni’s unforgettable sprint and run-out on the last ball.
Final Ball: Bangladesh needed 2 runs. Dhoni ran like a bullet to stump Mustafizur — a full stretch and throw without gloves.
“Dhoni finishes it off in his own way — again!”
Why it’s unforgettable: It wasn’t just a win; it was a miracle, scripted under extreme pressure.
2. India vs Australia – 3rd ODI, 2020 (Series Decider)
- Date: January 19, 2020
- Venue: Bengaluru
- Format: ODI
With the series tied 1-1, the pressure was on. Rohit Sharma smashed 119, and Kohli anchored with 89 as India chased down 287 with ease. The crowd roared every run, and the middle-order stability returned with this match.
Turning Point: Rohit’s fearless sixes against Starc changed the momentum.
Why it matters: A complete team win — top order, bowlers, and energy all clicked.
3. India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 Clash
- Date: September 4, 2022
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium
- Format: T20
It’s never just a match when India plays Pakistan. This game was a battle of nerves. Virat Kohli, under pressure and after criticism, played a gritty 60+ innings. The match went down to the wire, with India barely defending a below-par total.
Most Viral Moment: Kohli’s aggressive celebration after dismissing Rizwan.
Why it’s iconic: The intensity, rivalry, and comeback made it electric.
4. India vs England – Lord’s Test 2021 Victory
- Date: August 12–16, 2021
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Format: Test
Not many expected India to win on Day 5. But Bumrah and Shami, two bowlers, stitched an unexpected 89-run partnership. Then the bowlers destroyed England’s batting lineup, sealing a famous win at the home of cricket.
Heroic Moment: Bumrah’s bouncer storm and sledging fired up the team.
Why it’s historic: India conquered Lord’s with fight and fearlessness.
5. India vs New Zealand – World Cup 2019 Semi-Final (Heartbreak)
- Date: July 9–10, 2019
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Format: ODI – World Cup Semi-Final
It wasn’t a win, but it was deeply emotional. India collapsed chasing a modest target. Dhoni tried to hold on, but his heartbreaking run-out crushed the nation’s hope. Millions of fans were left in stunned silence.
Most Emotional Moment: Dhoni walking off — possibly his last international game.
Why it’s unforgettable: Painful, powerful, and personal.
6. India vs Australia – Gabba Test 2021 (Historic Series Win)
- Date: January 15–19, 2021
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
- Format: Test
India fielded a second-string team. Australia hadn’t lost at Gabba for 32 years. Yet, Rishabh Pant’s fearless 89 helped India chase 328* in the fourth innings. History was rewritten.
Quote: “Fortress Gabba has been breached!”
Why it’s epic: Courage, grit, and raw talent created one of India’s finest away Test wins.
7. India vs Sri Lanka – Rohit Sharma’s 264 in ODI
(Bonus Match: 2014, but fans still celebrate it today)
- Date: November 13, 2014
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Format: ODI
Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking 264 is still the highest individual ODI score. The innings was a masterclass in patience and aggression.
Why include it: Fans still search and talk about this game in 2025 — it never gets old.
8. India vs Afghanistan – World Cup 2023 Super Over Drama
- Date: October 15, 2023
- Format: ODI – World Cup Group Stage
It ended in a tie, and then a Super Over. India nearly lost, but Bumrah’s final yorker turned it. High drama, fast-paced action, and viral on every platform.
Highlight: The most unexpected thriller of the tournament.
Why it matters: Gave fans a heart attack — and a win.
9. India vs West Indies – T20 in Hyderabad 2019
- Date: December 6, 2019
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad
- Format: T20
India chased down 208 runs with Kohli scoring 94 off 50 balls*. His expressions, mock celebration, and the “bat talks” gesture became internet gold.
Quote: “I was batting like a video game today.” – Virat Kohli
10. India vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2022 (Melbourne Magic)
- Date: October 23, 2022
- Venue: MCG
- Format: T20 World Cup
Possibly India’s greatest T20 chase ever. Kohli’s 82* on a tricky pitch, especially those two sixes off Haris Rauf, will be played in montages forever.
Crowd: Over 90,000 fans, deafening roars.
Why it’s the crown jewel: It had pressure, rivalry, clutch moments — and a miracle finish.
Conclusion: What Makes These Matches Truly Great?
It’s not just about numbers or wins. These matches represent emotion, fight, and moments that live forever in memory. Whether it was Dhoni’s calm, Kohli’s fire, or Pant’s fearless strokeplay, Indian cricket gave fans drama worth every heartbeat. If you lived through even one of these games, you know why cricket is loved in India like religion.
