We dive into the team with the most outstanding record in the Asia Cup who didn’t have it all sunshine and roses. We scrutinize their dominance in the biggest tournament of all in Asia.
The Asia Cup journey began with modest beginnings. After winning the World Cup in ‘83, India was looking to move the event back home breaking the English monopoly. This created the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) which initiated the advent of the Asia Cup.
The inaugural edition of the tournament that was held in UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium was a 3 national tournament. India was missing their inspirational captain Kapil Dev due to an injury. Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar captained an experienced team in the cup. India won the championship by virtue of topping the group.
Hattrick Champions at Sharjah
The Asia Cup returned to its birthplace Sharjah in 1995 with a festive mood and vivid celebrations.
This was a round-robin tournament where each team played against each other once. After the completion of the Group Stage, it happened to be that India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka were all poised at 4 points. India & Sri Lanka made it through to the final by virtue of a superior run rate.
India comprehensively beat the Lankans by 8 wickets in the final creating massive celebrations and festivities in India. The players and officials were greeted with a heroes’ reception by the fans.
Asia Cup History of Team India
With an exceptional record and unbelievable achievements, we dive into the rich history of Team India through Championship victories, appearances, and performances.
Championship Victories
India is the most successful team in the Asia Cup. Their 7 titles and 3 runners-up medals make them a feared opponent in every edition in which they participate.
Enterprising Appearances
Since its inception, India has participated in all the editions of the Asia Cup except two, showcasing its commitment to the competition.
After winning the previous edition, it was India’s turn to host the tournament for the first time in 1990.
Arch rivals Pakistan didn’t participate in lieu of strained political relations with India. But the matter didn’t bother the defending champions who cruised their way to 3 wins out of 3 to become unbeaten champions.
Consistent Success
Out of the 15 times that they have participated, India has reached the final 10 times. With 7 wins and 3 losses in the finals, they are the most successful team in the history of the Asia Cup.
Early Exits of India
Despite being the most decorated team in the history of the competition, India suffered some humiliating Group Stage exits.
The most notable ones include the ones in 2000 and 2012. Although the 2000 exit was overshadowed by match-fixing drama the 2012 loss remains inexcusable as India had one of the best teams in world cricket at that time.
Embarrassing Loss at the Hands of Bangladesh
Hosts Bangladesh caused a major upset in 2012 by defeating World champions India at Mirpur.
The game famously remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th century saw a Classic where Bangladesh chased down over 290 runs with an over to spare in a total team effort.
Key Performers
Sachin Tendulkar
The “Little Master” is the highest run scorer for India in the Asia Cup, amassing over 2000 runs and bettered by only Sanath Jayasuriya.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game and worshipped in his own right, his unbelievable records speak for themselves.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been the cornerstone of India’s batting for over a decade. His stunning performances have catapulted India to back-to-back titles in 2016 & 2018.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Former Indian captain and legend Mohammad Azharuddin mesmerized the world with his elegant strokeplay and grace when he was at his pomp.
His 90 not out in the ‘95 final is still vivid in the memories of fans and players alike. He played several knocks of the highest quality to ensure that the Indian middle order accumulated a ton of runs.
Controversies
Match Fixing
India’s Asia Cup campaign of 2000 was marred with match fixing controversies. Various allegations were raised against the Indian team and their skipper Mohammad Azharuddin throughout the tournament.
The players could not withstand the pressure from the press and India exited the Asia Cup from the group stage.
When India Boycotted the Asia Cup
The next edition of the Asia Cup in 1988 saw internal tension arise between the hosts, Sri Lanka and India.
As an action to this, India didn’t participate in the event. It was the hosts Sri Lanka who went on to write an underdog story by beating mighty Pakistan in the final.
India’s political and administrative frailties denied them back-to-back winners’ medals.
Political Rifts with Pakistan
Eternal rivals Pakistan had become a force to reckon with in International cricket after clinching the World Cup of 1992 under the tutelage of Imran Khan.
After his retirement, the leadership group of the Pakistan Cricket Board caught a rift with boards of other countries, particularly India.
Although consistent efforts were put in to make the tournament happen nothing actually materialized for the tournament to be called off for the first time.
Memorable Matches
- 1998 Final vs. Sri Lanka: In a nail-biting thriller, India managed to squeeze past Sri Lanka who choked under pressure.
- 2018 Final vs. Bangladesh: In a low-scoring affair, Liton Das stole the show with a magnificent hundred. But India kept their nerves to secure the win in Dubai.
- Asia Cup Regained after a Long Halt: After the win in 1995, India had to wait 15 more years to clinch their 5th title. The 2010 Asia Cup hosted by Sri Lanka saw a young Team India led by MS Dhoni defeat Sri Lanka comfortably to bring the cup back home after such a long halt.
Legacy & Impact
As a superpower in world cricket now, India’s success transcends landscapes. Their consistent success has helped promote cricket in this region as well as around the globe.
The tournament has become a platform for camaraderie and sportsmanship among Asian nations, fostering goodwill and strengthening ties.
In a Nutshell
The Asia Cup has seen the rise of a novice to the pinnacle of world cricket within a few decades.
In their era of dominance, they ruled over the continent’s rivals in cricketing terms and became a force to reckon with. Their consistency and numbers speak for themselves.
But what separates the best from the rest is the sheer competitive spirit and the influence that transcends borders. And over the years, India did it all in abundance.
