The Indian cricket team is staring at a rare Test series defeat after being edged out by New Zealand in the first two matches of a three-match rubber. After suffering a shock eight-wicket loss to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India 0-1 in the series. In the second ongoing Test, the Rohit Sharmaled side conceded a 103-run first-innings lead 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 their 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 part 2-1.

Since then, India have won 18 consecutive Test series at home, including a recent 2-0 success over Bangladesh. However, to win the Pune Test, Team India will need to pull off a rare comeback. Since making his Test debut in 1932, India have won only two Tests after conceding a lead of 100 or more in the first innings.

The first such case came in 1976, in Port of Spain. After conceding a lead of 131 against the West Indies, India successfully chased down 406. The second and most recent success came in 2001 when India achieved an incredible victory after Australia imposed a follow-on.

India conceded a lead of 273 runs. However, during the follow-up, VVS Laxman he made 281 runs while Rahul Dravid scored 180 as India came from behind to stun Australia at the Eden Gardens.

India’s victory in Kolkata came after Australia had taken a 1-0 lead in the series. However, the Sourav Ganguly not only tied the series, but also won the series.

If India beat New Zealand in Pune, it will be the first time they have chased down a target after conceding a lead of 100 or more.