Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man

In the intense India vs England Test rivalry, stars usually shine with centuries and five-wicket hauls—but sometimes, it’s the 12th man who changes everything. Traditionally seen as just a support role, there have been rare moments when substitutes made match-winning contributions through stunning fielding or crucial stand-in performances.

Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man celebrates those unsung heroes who stepped out of the shadows to make a lasting impact on cricket’s grandest stage.

Let`s take a look at the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man:

5. Ahmedabad, 2021 – Axar Patel Makes Dream Debut as Late Inclusion

In the pink-ball Test at Ahmedabad, Axar Patel, originally India’s 12th man, stepped in after Jadeja’s late injury. What followed was a masterclass in spin bowling.

Axar took 11 wickets in a match that ended in just two days, with his first-innings spell under lights breaking England’s back. His late inclusion turned into a match-winning performance, making this one of the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man.

Axar Patel – Ahmedabad 2021

Match Role	1st Inn Wickets	2nd Inn Wickets	Economy	Debut Impact	Result
Late Inclusion	6/38	5/32	2.05	Match haul of 11	India won by 10 wickets

4. Chennai, 2016 – Parthiv Patel’s Surprise Inclusion Turns Heads

When Wriddhiman Saha was sidelined before the Chennai Test, Parthiv Patel, initially the 12th man, stepped in as wicketkeeper and opener. On a turning track, he kept brilliantly and scored a fluent 71, setting the tone for India’s massive 759/7 declared.

His aggressive start allowed the middle order to dominate, leading to an innings victory over England. It was a classic case of a backup player rising to the occasion—earning its place among the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man.

Parthiv Patel – Chennai 2016

Match Role	Innings 1	Innings 2	Catches	Opening Stand	Result
Stand-in Opener & Keeper	71	DNB	2	152 with Rahul	India won by an innings and 75 runs

3. Nottingham, 2014 – Stuart Binny’s Heroic Fielding Saves India

India’s memorable Trent Bridge win in 2014 is often credited to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and Rahane’s classy century. However, Stuart Binny, the 12th man, played a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

Fielding for an injured Ishant Sharma on Day 4, Binny saved key boundaries and produced a sharp direct hit to run out Moeen Ali—halting England’s chase of 219. His fielding brilliance shifted the momentum, making this one of the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man.

Stuart Binny – Nottingham 2014

Match Role	Direct Hits	Saves	Overs on Field	Run-out Victim	Result
Substitute Fielder	1	5+	45	Moeen Ali	India won by 95 runs

2. Mohali, 2006 – Dinesh Karthik’s Flying Catch Changes the Match

During the 2006 Mohali Test, an unexpected twist occurred when MS Dhoni had to leave the field due to dehydration. Dinesh Karthik, the 12th man, stepped in and seized the moment with a stunning diving catch to dismiss Kevin Pietersen off Sreesanth’s bowling.

That game-changing moment triggered an English collapse and helped India take a 1-0 series lead. It was a rare instance where a substitute turned the tide, firmly placing this match among the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man.

Dinesh Karthik – Mohali 2006

Match Role	Catches	Stumpings	Overs on Field	Impact Moment	Result
Substitute Keeper	1 (Pietersen)	0	38	Diving catch	India won by 9 wickets

1. Kanpur, 2001 – Deep Dasgupta Replaces Samir Dighe and Saves the Day

What began as a routine Test took an unexpected turn when first-choice keeper Samir Dighe was ruled out, and Deep Dasgupta, initially the 12th man, was thrust into the playing XI.

Chasing 174 in a tense fourth innings, wickets kept falling—but Dasgupta stood firm. His unbeaten 35 off 99 balls, alongside Rahul Dravid, proved vital in resisting England’s charge. It wasn’t flashy, but it was match-saving. His composure under pressure turned the game, making it one of the Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man.

Deep Dasgupta – Kanpur 2001

Match Role	Runs	Balls	Dismissals	Key Partnership	Result
Stand-in Wicketkeeper	35*	99	2 catches, 1 stumping	54 with Dravid	India won by 3 wickets

Conclusion

In a game often dominated by star performers, these Top 5 India vs England Tests That Were Won by the 12th Man remind us that heroes can emerge from the sidelines. Whether through clutch fielding, unexpected batting resilience, or last-minute inclusions, these unsung players proved that impact isn’t limited to the playing XI. Their moments of brilliance not only changed the course of matches but also carved a special place in the rich history of India vs England Test battles.

Read More: Top 5 England Captains to Win a Test Series in India

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