India’s 12-year unbeaten run in home Test series is under serious threat as New Zealand built a lead of 301 on day two of the second Test.
After the Black Caps’ historic victory in the first Test in Bengaluru, a win in Pune would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
That would end a remarkable sequence of 18 consecutive home series wins for India since Alastair Cook’s England clinched a famous 2-1 triumph in December 2012.
Rohit Sharma’s side face a mammoth task to avoid that fate after they were bundled out for 156 in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings 259.
Off-spinner Washington Sundar took 7-59 as the tourists were bowled out after opting to bat first on day one.
Kiwi left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner then also claimed seven wickets as India crumbled to 156 all out.
With a lead of 103, New Zealand pressed home their advantage in the second innings, closing on 198-5.
