The Indian cricket workforce is watching a uncommon Take a look at collection loss after being outplayed by New Zealand within the first two matches of a three-game rubber. After struggling a shock eight-wicket defeat to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India path 0-1 within the collection. Within the ongoing second Take a look at, the Rohit Sharma-led facet conceded a 103-run lead within the first innings, earlier than New Zealand prolonged their result in 301 by the top of Day 2. New Zealand added simply 57 runs to their in a single day rating of 198/5, setting India a goal of 359.
With three days left within the Pune Take a look at, India have a mountain to climb to keep away from a primary collection defeat at dwelling for the primary time in 12 years. India final misplaced a Take a look at collection at dwelling when England beat the MS Dhoni-led facet 2-1.
Since then, India have gained 18 successive Take a look at collection at dwelling, together with a latest 2-0 success over Bangladesh. Nevertheless, with a purpose to win the Pune Take a look at, Workforce India must script a uncommon comeback. Since making their Take a look at debut in 1932, India have solely ever gained two Exams after conceding a lead or 100 or extra within the first innings.
The primary such occasion got here in 1976 at Port of Spain. After conceding a lead of 131 in opposition to the West Indies, India efficiently chased down 406. The second and the latest success got here in 2001 when India pulled off an unbelievable victory after Australia enforced a follow-on.
India had conceded a lead of 273 runs. Nevertheless, throughout the follow-on, VVS Laxman made 281 runs whereas Rahul Dravid scored 180 as India got here from behind to stun Australia at Eden Gardens.
India’s win in Kolkata got here after Australia had taken a 1-0 lead within the collection. Nevertheless, the Sourav Ganguly not solely levelled the collection, but additionally gained the collection.
If India beat New Zealand in Pune, it is going to be the primary occasion of them chasing down a goal after conceding a lead of 100 or extra.
