India’s Test cricket history has seen several highs, but it also includes moments when the team struggled with the bat. One such instance was the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024, where India registered their third-lowest score ever in Test cricket. The collapse was brutal, and it now stands alongside other forgettable performances in the team’s history. Here’s a closer look at India’s 10 lowest Test scores and a summary of their dismal performance in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Test: India’s Struggles Against New Zealand
In the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India’s batting line-up faltered badly on Day 2. The Rohit Sharma-led side was bundled out for just 46 runs, making it India’s lowest total at home in Test cricket. Conditions favored New Zealand’s fast bowlers, who exploited the pitch’s assistance to dismantle the Indian batting. Matt Henry was the star of the day, taking five wickets for just 15 runs, while William O’Rourke claimed four wickets. Tim Southee added to the misery by taking a wicket as well.
India’s innings crumbled, with five of their batters, including prominent names like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, failing to score. Rishabh Pant, who top-scored with 20 runs, provided the only real resistance, while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 13. However, no other batter reached double digits, and the team folded for 46 in just 31.1 overs. India’s inability to handle the pace attack led to their swift collapse. This shocking performance now ranks as their third-lowest total in Test history, behind only the 36 all-out in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974.
India’s Lowest Test Scores: A Timeline of Troubles
Over the years, India has endured several collapses in Test cricket. Here are the 10 lowest totals recorded by the team:
- 36 vs Australia, Adelaide (2020): India’s lowest score in Test history came during their tour of Australia. The team crumbled under a lethal pace attack, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins wreaking havoc.
- 42 vs England, Lord’s (1974): India’s second-lowest total occurred during a disastrous tour of England in 1974. The team struggled against the swing and seam movement of the English bowlers.
- 46 vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (2024): This recent collapse saw India fall to their lowest-ever total at home, further highlighting their struggles against quality fast bowling on tricky surfaces.
- 58 vs Australia, Brisbane (1947): India’s fourth-lowest score came during the early years of their Test journey, facing a strong Australian side on their home turf.
- 58 vs England, Manchester (1952): The English conditions once again proved too difficult for the Indian batters in 1952, resulting in another collapse.
- 66 vs South Africa, Durban (1996): India’s tour of South Africa in 1996 saw them struggle to cope with the pace and bounce of the South African pitches.
- 67 vs Australia, Melbourne (1948): Facing the legendary Don Bradman’s Australian team, India was bowled out for a paltry 67.
- 75 vs West Indies, Delhi (1987): Prior to their 46-run debacle in 2024, India’s previous lowest home score came against the West Indies in 1987.
- 76 vs South Africa, Ahmedabad (2008): India struggled against a formidable South African bowling attack in 2008, leading to another low score.
- 78 vs England, Leeds (2021): Most recently, in 2021, India was bowled out for 78 at Leeds, as England’s bowlers dominated.
India’s 46 all-out against New Zealand in Bengaluru is a stark reminder of the team’s vulnerability in difficult batting conditions. This poor performance joins a list of other low scores in the history of Indian Test cricket, highlighting how challenging it can be for even the best teams to overcome quality bowling and testing conditions.
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