Chasing troubles: India manage only 2 wins in 150-plus target post Sachin Tendulkar's retirement

India manage only 2 wins in 150-plus target post Sachin Tendulkar's retirement (AFP/AP Photos)

India were rocked by England while chasing 193 against England at Lord's. 193 by no means was a staggering target but a tight line and length by the English bowlers, and a timid approach by the Indian batters led to the outcome.

The team was reduced to 58/4 at Stumps on Day 4 and by the time the first session ended India found themselves in a precarious position having lost 8 wickets with 112 on the board. Ravindra Jadeja then found himself waging a lone battle with the tailenders - Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj - and their efforts could only delay the inevitable as India eventually lost the match by 22 runs.

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The chase spared many debates about India's batting crumbling in pressure situation and this was not a one-off case. In fact, data reveals that post the retirement of legendary Sachin Tendulkar in 2013, India have managed just two Test wins in chases above 150. This is the fewest among top eight Test playing nations.

The data suggested that India had to chase a target of something beyond 150, 26 times, out of which the team has lost on 17 occasions. Meanwhile, they have engaged in draws seven times and only twice the team has managed to overcome the target.

The first win came at Brisbane in 2021, when India managed to chase down a gigantic target of 328, also breaching the Gabbatoir in the process. The win was special in many ways as a second string Indian unit defeated Australia at their backyard to complete a 2-1 series win.

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The second win was at Ranchi in 2024, when England were touring India. Then India successfully chased down 192 to win the match by five wickets.

Interestingly, the now appointed India Test captain Shubman Gill had hit half-centuries on both occasions. Gill had hit 91 at Gabba back in 2021 to lay a platform for Rishabh Pant to finish the match. In Ranchi, he returned unbeaten on 52 and drove India home.