It’s Independence Day (on Saturday), but Martina McBride (remember her 1993 chart-topper?) can be kept at bay. Absolutely no disrespect to the 14-time Grammy Award nominee. But August 15 is a day of poorn swadeshi, and Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo should be the tenor.
Mere watan ke cricketers are here in Sri Lanka, and a Test match is starting on India’s Independence Day. Only four times before this has India played a Test on August 15. England and Sri Lanka share the spoils as opponents. In 1952, when India faced England at The Oval, the second day of the match coincided with the auspicious occasion. Vijay Hazare’s team managed to eke out a draw despite being bundled out for 98 in the first innings.
In 2001 in Galle, Sanath Jayasuriya’s marauding hundred set up a 10-wicket win for Sri Lanka, while Joe Root weighed heavily on the tourists at The Oval in 2014. The Test started on August 15, and India folded for 94.
The final day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in 2015 was on August 15, and Rangana Herath’s spin web secured a 63-run win for the hosts.
Circa 2026, and the onus is on Shubman Gill’s India to reverse the trend.
In June 1932, India became the sixth Test-playing nation. The first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle will see them play their 600th Test. Only England and Australia have played more, and the honour falls on Gill to lead his country as the milestone beckons.
“It’s a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match,” Gill said at the pre-match press conference. “Captaining India in our 600th Test is a huge honour, and doing it on India’s Independence Day makes it even more special.”
For the record, since Lord’s in 1932, India have won 186 matches, lost 188 and drawn 224. One game, against Australia at Chepauk in 1986, ended in a tie.
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