Around the same time last year, India had blanked South Africa 3-0 in a Test series. Before that, there was a five-match ODI series that witnessed a decider in Mumbai, where India lost by 214 runs.
The team is in a similar situation now, after having thrashed the Kiwis 3-0 in Tests, as the ODI series awaits a decider at 2-2.
This has been a series with a slightly different batting line-up, with the familiar faces of Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina missing. The middle order has seen experiments in positions as well as personnel, with Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav coming in after MS Dhoni at No 4. The winning formula for finishing has still not emerged.
With just three ODIs left for them after Saturday before they head for the Champions Trophy in June, the Indian contingent would be an anxious lot over batting.
What might also be worrying skipper Dhoni is that India haven't won a bilateral series for almost two years, apart from one in Zimbabwe. Jadhav, who has shone with the ball this series, believes India's batting woes will be short-lived and youngsters will come good.
“At this level we need to learn quickly. We are trying to be positive. This is a huge opportunity for youngsters. And we all are giving it our best to come good,” the Maharashtra batsman said on Friday. The team seems to have become dependent on Virat Kohli and the visitors have so far been able to execute bowling plans perfectly against the vice-captain. “I think it's not about over-reliance. Virat is too good a player.
It becomes nice and easy for the batsmen to follow, if he plays well. But we have other quality players who can deliver the goods,” Jadhav added.
The Kiwis, who are on the verge of a series win in India for the first time, would be working out plans to keep a check on the Indian batting one last time. The slower as well as the quicker ones have come in handy for New Zealand.
The bowlers have dropped pace and that has troubled the Indians to a great extent. Tim Southee has been particularly effective following this ploy. “I think we have read the pitches well. After seeing the nature of the pitches only do we form a plan.
And moreover, this plan has worked for us, so we might do the same if that is required to win the series,” said Southee before the match. It will also be interesting to see how the pitch at Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium behaves.
It drew a lot of flak recently after the Rajasthan and Assam Ranji Trophy match for offering low bounce. Apart from that, rains might disrupt proceedings as well, as Cyclone Kyant is expected to hit the eastern coast on Saturday.