India insist their poor World Cup record will not be a factor in the Test Championship final against Australia, adamant players hold no mental scars from a decade of disappointment.
Despite being the powerhouse of world cricket for the past decade, India enter Wednesday's final without a global trophy since their 50-over success at home in 2011.
In the time since, India have lost six knockout or title matches at major ICC events, with their only victories a quarter-final win over Bangladesh in the 2015 ODI World Cup and a T20 semi-final defeat of South Africa in 2014.
They have otherwise been knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups as well as in the 2016 and 2022 T20 World Cups.
And after reaching the finals of the 2014 T20 World Cup and inaugural 2021 Test Championship, they were also beaten.
India's players have also been regularly reminded of the scenario, with their title drought a regular topic at last year's T20 World Cup.
"There is no point in thinking about it again and again," captain Rohit Sharma said on Tuesday.
"The players know when India won and when they didn't.
"You have to focus on the situation and how we can do better. All the players and coaching staff are focused on how we can do well in this match and win."
In contrast, Australia's record is far more impressive.
They have won both the 2015 one-day World Cup and 2021 T20 title in the past decade, with a 5-1 record in knockout games in that time.
"I hope (that counts for something)," captain Pat Cummins said.
"One thing about playing lots of cricket is you get experience in pressure moments. And in finals there is no higher-pressure situation.
"That's one of the benefits of having an experienced side. We have seen it all before, we have been in these moments.
"And we've taken confidence to know no matter what happens you will be okay on the other side of it. Just take the game on and enjoy it."
The Oval Test also represents a new opportunity for Australia.
The Ashes ahead looms as the current group's biggest series during their time together, and the India clash represents the most serious lead-in match available.
And while all eyes have firmly been on England, Australian players are well aware this is the one major trophy they are yet to hold.
Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner can also all complete cricket's triple crown, given a win will make them the first players to be world champions in all three formats.
"It's an event," Cummins said.
"We have played great cricket over that campaign, and after this Test match it means nothing.
"We start again, starting with a series that doesn't get much bigger than an Ashes away series.
"It does feel like a final. It does feel like we have nothing to lose. There will be a winner after this game and then you move on and start afresh."
