Chasing big totals in the 4th innings of Test cricket is not considered an easy task, with the conditions changing and batters' temperaments and skillset getting tested.
On usual Test playing conditions that we have seen over the years, teams start to get the upper hand in the 4th innings as their totals exceed around 300. They hold firm grips in the matches when it goes past 350s.
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They have also had some great bowlers who have stood up in the 4th innings from time to time — the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah among others are the modern-day greats.
The Sporting News takes a look at India's record while defending targets over 350 in Tests.
How has India performed while defending 350+ in Tests?
India have lost only two games whenever they have posted a target over 350 runs in Tests.
In 61 matches where India has asked the opposition to chase a total over 350, they has won 43, lost two and drawn 16.
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| Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 43 | 2 | 16 |
Have India lost a Test match after setting 350+ target?
India have lost two Tests when defending a 350+ total and both defeats came against England, with Joe Root playing an instrumental role in both those encounters.
England vs India 5th Test 2021
The first instance happened during the rescheduled 5th Test match in India's tour of England, 2021.
The Test was played in Birmingham, where India set the hosts to chase 378 runs following centuries for Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja.
England chased the target down on the fifth day of the Test with Root scoring 142*(173) and Jonny Bairstow's 114*(145) to get his twin centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah captained India and was the only one in the wickets during the fourth innings as England won by 7 wickets.
England vs India 1st Test 2025
The second loss when defending 350+ totals came during the first Test of India's 2025 tour of England at Headingley, Leeds.
India set England a target of 371 runs but the hosts got off to a solid start in the chase, registering a 188-run opening stand with Ben Duckett going on to score a dazzling 149, supported by a Zak Crawley half-century.
Root scored an unbeaten 53 runs after some solid contributions from Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, as England cruised to a five-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.