Aim BharatThe Indian cricket team faces the prospect of an unusual Test series defeat, having been outperformed by New Zealand in the initial two matches of a three-match series. Following a surprising eight-wicket loss to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India finds itself trailing 0-1 in the series. In the current second Test, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team has given up a 103-run lead in the first innings, with New Zealand increasing their advantage to 301 by the conclusion of Day 2. New Zealand managed to add only 57 runs to their overnight total of 198/5, establishing a target of 359 for India.
With three days remaining in the Pune Test, India faces a significant challenge to avert their first home series defeat in 12 years. The last time India lost a Test series on home soil was against England, who triumphed 2-1 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
Since that defeat, India has achieved victory in 18 consecutive Test series at home, including a recent 2-0 win over Bangladesh. However, to secure a victory in the Pune Test, Team India must orchestrate a remarkable comeback. Since their Test debut in 1932, India has only managed to win two Tests after conceding a first-innings lead of 100 runs or more.
The first instance occurred in 1976 at Port of Spain, where India, having given up a 131-run lead to the West Indies, successfully chased down a target of 406. The second and most recent instance took place in 2001 when India achieved an extraordinary victory after Australia enforced a follow-on.
In that match, India had conceded a lead of 273 runs. However, during the follow-on, VVS Laxman scored 281 runs, while Rahul Dravid contributed 180 runs, enabling India to come from behind and defeat Australia at Eden Gardens. This victory in Kolkata followed Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the series, allowing Sourav Ganguly to not only level the series but also secure the overall victory.
Should India manage to defeat New Zealand in Pune, it would mark the first occasion in which they have successfully chased down a target after conceding a first-innings lead of 100 runs or more.
