Preparations to break the curse of Lord’s: India ready to sprinkle salt on challenging record under the captaincy of Shubman Gill
India’s Test Record at Lord’s: History, Victories, and Present-Day Challenges
The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England is set to begin at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, often called the “Mecca of Cricket,” on July 10. This venue holds a special place in Indian cricket history, as India played its first-ever Test match here in 1932. However, India’s overall performance at Lord’s has always remained challenging.
India’s Beginning at Lord’s: A Historic Start in 1932
India played its first Test match at Lord’s against England in 1932 under the captaincy of C.K. Nayudu. Though it was a historic moment for Indian cricket, the result didn’t go in India’s favor. Since then, India has played a total of 19 Test matches at Lord’s, winning only 3, losing 12, and drawing 4.
India’s Three Historic Wins at Lord’s
1986 – First Win Under Kapil Dev’s Captaincy
India registered its first victory at Lord’s in 1986. The match began on June 5, and under the leadership of Kapil Dev, India defeated England by 5 wickets. Mohinder Amarnath and Dilip Vengsarkar played outstanding innings, while the bowlers maintained tight control to secure the win.
2014 – Ishant Sharma’s Fiery Spell
India’s second win came in 2014 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. In this match, Ishant Sharma dismantled England’s batting lineup with a brilliant spell, taking 7 wickets in the second innings. India won the match by 95 runs, proving that they could win matches on foreign soil too.
2021 – A Memorable Win Under Virat Kohli
The third and most recent win came in 2021 under the leadership of Virat Kohli. In this match, the duo of Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah rattled the English batsmen, leading India to a commanding 151-run victory. This win was symbolic of the team’s rising confidence.
A Daunting Record: Challenges at Lord’s
India’s overall win percentage at Lord’s is only 15.8%, the lowest among venues in England. The team has often struggled at this venue:
- 1974: India was bowled out for just 42 runs – its lowest ever Test score.
- Conditions: The pitch at Lord’s often favors swing and seam bowling, which has troubled Indian batsmen.
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy and New Hopes
In 2025, the young Shubman Gill is leading Team India. He recently played a historic knock of 269 runs in the Edgbaston Test, guiding India to a 336-run victory — the team’s first-ever win at that venue after eight unsuccessful attempts.
Gill’s batting and leadership have instilled new hope in the Indian camp, and the team now eyes a win at Lord’s as well.
Head-to-Head: India vs England at Lord’s
- Total Matches: 19
- India Wins: 3
- England Wins: 12
- Draws: 4
These stats clearly show that Lord’s has traditionally been a stronghold for England, though India has occasionally managed to breach the fortress.
Conclusion: History vs Present
While Lord’s has historically been a “daunting” venue for India, it now stands as a symbol of opportunity for the new generation. Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, Team India has the chance not only to register a win at this historic ground but also to script a new chapter in its cricketing journey.
Recent statements from India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlight that despite Lord’s typically greener and seam-friendly pitch, the batsmen—including Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal—are “well‑prepared to adapt” through patience and intelligent shot‑selection . Likewise, experts believe Gill might break records at Lord’s, such as surpassing Rahul Dravid’s 585-run tally in England or becoming the first Indian captain to score a century at the venue.
If India manages to win the third Test starting July 10, it will not only take a lead in the series but also solidify its standing at Lord’s as a venue no longer feared, but confidently embraced.
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