The last time India entered a Test of a home series having already lost the series was in Wankhede, twenty years ago. There they had prepared a raging turner to win a low-scoring thriller against Australia. Indications are that the pitch for this one against New Zealand too could start to take turn sooner rather than later. While the Test may not have context within the series, the World Test Championship brings that in. India would need to win four out of their six remaining Tests (including five in Australia) to be assured of a spot in the final, without having to depend on other results.
That would be easier said than done, for the batting group is battling for form as well as ironing out technical deficiencies midway through the series. This has, in turn, added to the pressure on India's premier spinners who have come up short so far. It's an unfamiliar position for a team that has for long made it a habit of winning Tests at home, seemingly, without breaking much sweat. And even if they were made to sweat, they've found ways to bounce back in the series through various individuals.
But New Zealand have not only brought about an end of the streak, but have made India think and work on what was previously considered as an armour of invincibility. Now, their batters are being made to work on their defence more against opposition spinners that have upped their game. Their slower bowlers too have to face a diverse group of players against spin. Some that use their feet, some who rely more on the sweep and mostly all amongst the runs and thereby with some confidence of having done it successfully.
The team is also a mix of players that are closer to the end of their careers and a few just starting off. So the challenges for each group would be different. In the midst of all this is the challenge of heading into Australia with a win behind them. In many ways then, there are lingering questions that would be closely watched as this Indian team gets into a territory unknown.
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