India will take on England in a five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. The series will mark the beginning of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.Ahead of this marquee contest, let’s look back at some of the finest batting performances by Indian batters on English soil in the 21st century.
No. 5 — Rahul Dravid (146 at The Oval, 2011)
In 2011, India had a terrible tour in England and lost the series 4-0. But one man kept fighting and it was Rahul Dravid, the ‘Wall’. He was India’s best batsman in that series and scored three centuries. His unbeaten 146 at The Oval was special because he opened the innings and stayed not out till the end. He faced 266 balls and hit 20 fours. Even though India lost the match by an innings and the series was a whitewash, Dravid’s knock was a reminder of his class and determination.
No. 4 — Rohit Sharma (127 at The Oval, 2021)
Rohit Sharma finally shut up all the talk about his overseas record with a brilliant century in England. In the fourth Test at The Oval in 2021, Rohit scored 127 runs full of patience and calm. India were behind by 99 runs but Rohit’s knock turned the match in India’s favour. He batted for 256 balls, hit 14 fours and smashed a six too. India won the match by 157 runs and the series ended 2-2. That innings is still one of Rohit’s best in Tests.
No. 3 — KL Rahul (129 at Lord’s, 2021)
KL Rahul’s century at Lord’s was a treat to watch. In the second Test of the 2021 series, he scored 129 runs and gave India a solid start with Rohit Sharma. They put up a 123-run opening stand. Rahul batted for 250 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. Thanks to his knock, India made 364 in the first innings and later won the match by 151 runs. Scoring a century at Lord’s is always special and Rahul did it in style.
No. 2 — Virat Kohli (149 at Edgbaston, 2018)
Before the 2018 series, people said Kohli couldn’t score runs in England. He answered everyone with a brilliant 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston. Coming in when India were struggling at 54/2, Kohli faced Anderson and Broad and fought like a true leader. He hit 22 fours and a six, and almost single-handedly kept India alive in the match. India lost the Test by just 31 runs and the series 4-1, but Kohli’s knock is still remembered as one of his best overseas centuries.
No. 1 — Ajinkya Rahane (103 at Lord’s, 2014)
India’s only win in the 2014 series came at Lord’s and the hero was Ajinkya Rahane. On a pitch where the ball was moving a lot, Rahane played a smart and brave innings. He scored 103 runs from 154 balls, with 15 fours and a six. He also built a very important 90-run partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Because of Rahane’s century, India managed 295 runs and later won the match by 95 runs. That win at Lord’s is still one of India’s most famous overseas victories.
India vs England Test series 2025 scheduleFirst Test: June 20-24, Headingley (Leeds)Second Test: July 2-6, Edgbaston (Birmingham)Third Test: July 10-14, Lord’s (London)Fourth Test, July 23-27, Old Trafford (Manchester)Fifth Test: July 31- August 4, The Oval (London)As India gear up for the challenging five-Test series in England starting June 20 at Headingley, memories of these iconic knocks serve as a reminder of what it takes to succeed on English soil. From Dravid’s grit to Rahane’s composure, these innings reflect the resilience and skill Indian batters have shown in tough conditions. With a new World Test Championship cycle beginning, fans will be hoping for more such moments of brilliance as India look to rewrite history in England once again.
