IND vs NZ: Can Lightning Strike Twice? Ghosts of 2017 could haunt Team India in Pune, here's why

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The Pune pitch has a history that might give India a huge cause for concern when they head into Day 2 of the ongoing Test match against New Zealand. The just-concluded Day 1 scenario bears an uncanny resemblance to the events that unfolded during the inaugural Test at this venue back in 2017.

For the uninitiated, Australia posted 260 in the first innings, which paved the way for a colossal 333-run victory. With New Zealand accumulating 259 on Day 1 this time, there is a hunch that history might just repeat itself, which could put India's task far from straightforward.

Here's how the 2017 Pune Test unfolded

During the inaugural Test at Pune's MCA Stadium back in 2017, Australia batted first and managed 260 runs, a total that did not seem that much threatening at the time. Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with a gritty 68 whereas Mitchell Starc provided some lower-order resistance with a handy 61.

However, it turned out to be more than enough as India crumbled under pressure on a turning track. India’s batting lineup was dismantled for just 105 runs. While KL Rahul's fighting 64 was worth applauding, other batters failed to carry the team. Steve O'Keefe was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia as he registered 6/35.

On the other hand, Australia capitalized on this momentum by amassing 285 in the second innings thanks to Steve Smith’s resilient 109. This brilliant knock helped Australia set up a daunting target of 441. The Indian batters faltered yet again in the second innings as they were bowled out for 107. Steve O'Keefe rose to the occasion and picked up another six-wicket haul to help the Aussies seal a comprehensive 333-run win for the visitors.

Similarities with the ongoing Test against New Zealand

Fast forward to October 24, 2024, we can sense some striking similarities between the ongoing match between India and New Zealand and the events of the 2017 Test. New Zealand, batting first on Day 1, posted 259, which is nearly similar to Australia's 260-run total.

The pitch appears to be showing signs of wear early on with spin expected to play a major role as the game advances. As a result, it could potentially pose problems for India. For the record, Steve O'Keefe was the pick of the bowlers for Australia who took 12 wickets in the match back then.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have two slow left-arm orthodox bowlers at their disposal - Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner. The spin duo are likely to ruffle Indian batters' feathers on rank turners. This gives us a feeling that India are not the favourites for the ongoing Test.

Team India ended the first day's play at 16/1, with skipper Rohit Sharma being dismissed for a duck off Tim Southee's gem of a delivery. The likes of Shubman Gill (10) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6) will look to provide a confident start and the Indian batters will need to bat with application to avoid a repeat of history. It remains to be seen how the Indian batters go about in the coming days.