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India, a dominant force in world cricket, have had their fair share of challenging moments, particularly against world-class bowling attacks. While the Men in Blue boast numerous batting records and achievements, there have been instances where their lineup has crumbled under pressure, even at home.
In the ongoing Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, India suffered a dramatic collapse after surprisingly opting to bat first in overcast conditions. Their decision evidently backfired as the batters were unable to tackle seam-friendly conditions.
They posted their lowest-ever Test total at home, getting bundled out for a paltry 46. This was also only the third time that India failed to cross the 50-run mark in an innings in the format.
Following this horror display with the bat, here is a look at India’s top five lowest totals in a home Test.
India’s top 5 lowest totals in a home Test:
#5 83 vs ENG, 1977
India’s batting collapse in the third Test against England in Chennai in January 1977 was a low point. Chasing 284 for victory, India succumbed to the spin wizardry of Derek Underwood, who claimed four wickets, with Bob Willis providing excellent support accounting for three. India managed only 83 in their second innings, leading to a crushing 200-run defeat. Sunil Gavaskar’s 24 was the top score, as the rest of the lineup struggled to stand their ground.
#4 83 vs NZ, 1999
Another instance of India being bowled out for 83 came against New Zealand in the Mohali Test in October 1999. The Indian batting lineup, led by Sachin Tendulkar, crumbled against the disciplined Kiwi attack. Dion Nash was the chief destroyer, claiming six wickets and limiting India to just 83 runs in their first innings. However, the hosts showed resilience in their second innings, piling on 505/3d, and the match eventually ended in a draw.
#3 76 vs SA, 2008
After a long period, India faced a similar fate, this time against South Africa during the second Test in Ahmedabad in April 2008. South African pacer Dale Steyn spearheaded the attack, claiming five wickets for just 23 runs. India’s batters had no answer to Steyn's pace and swing, and within 20 overs, they were bowled out for a paltry 76. This was a match to forget for India, as South Africa piled on a mammoth 494/7 in reply and went on to win by an innings and 90 runs.
#2 75 vs WI, 1987
India’s previous lowest Test score at home was recorded during the first Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in November 1987. The visitors, known for their pace battery, ran through India’s batting order, with Patrick Patterson leading the charge.
Patterson’s fiery spell culminated in a five-wicket haul, decimating the Indian side for a mere 75 runs in 30.5 overs. India’s top order collapsed, and the middle order could not recover. Despite a valiant effort in the second innings, India went on to lose the match by five wickets.
#1 46 vs NZ, 2024
Several years later, the Kiwis haunted India at home yet again. This time, in the ongoing opening Test of the series at Bengaluru, India decided to bat first under overcast conditions. As feared, the hosts paid the price, getting bundled out for 46 in the first innings, their lowest Test total at home.
It took the visitors just 31.2 overs to clean up the Indian batting as Matt Henry led the way with a five-fer. A young William O'Rourke had a memorable outing as well, picking up four wickets.
