The Indian cricket team is staring at a rare Test series loss after being outplayed by New Zealand in the first two matches of a three-game rubber. After suffering a shock eight-wicket defeat to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India trail 0-1 in the series. In the ongoing second Test, the Rohit Sharma-led side conceded a 103-run lead in the first innings, before New Zealand extended their lead to 301 by the end of Day 2. New Zealand added just 57 runs to their overnight score of 198/5, setting India a target of 359.
With three days left in the Pune Test, India have a mountain to climb to avoid a first series defeat at home for the first time in 12 years. India last lost a Test series at home when England beat the MS Dhoni-led side 2-1.
Since then, India have won 18 successive Test series at home, including a recent 2-0 success over Bangladesh. However, in order to win the Pune Test, Team India will have to script a rare comeback. Since making their Test debut in 1932, India have only ever won two Tests after conceding a lead or 100 or more in the first innings.
The first such instance came in 1976 at Port of Spain. After conceding a lead of 131 against the West Indies, India successfully chased down 406. The second and the most recent success came in 2001 when India pulled off an incredible victory after Australia enforced a follow-on.
India had conceded a lead of 273 runs. However, during the follow-on, VVS Laxman made 281 runs while Rahul Dravid scored 180 as India came from behind to stun Australia at Eden Gardens.
India’s win in Kolkata came after Australia had taken a 1-0 lead in the series. However, the Sourav Ganguly not only levelled the series, but also won the series.
If India beat New Zealand in Pune, it will be the first instance of them chasing down a target after conceding a lead of 100 or more.