In a shocking display of batting, India were bowled out for just 46 in the first Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday, October 17. This dismal performance not only marks the lowest total for India in Test cricket at home but also places it among the lowest totals ever recorded by the Indian team.
Here’s a look at the five lowest totals for India in Tests played on home soil.
5) 79 – South Africa vs India, Nagpur, 2015: On a turning pitch, South African spinners wreaked havoc, bundling India out for 79. However, India managed to secure a victory in the match despite the low score.
4) 76 – India vs South Africa, Ahmedabad, 2008: The Proteas’ pace battery, spearheaded by Dale Steyn, decimated India’s lineup in this low-scoring affair, securing one of South Africa’s famous Test wins on Indian soil.
3) 75 – India vs West Indies, Delhi, 1987: In the late ’80s, West Indies’ fearsome bowling attack exposed India’s batting fragilities in the national capital, rolling the hosts for just 75.
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2) 62 – New Zealand vs India, Mumbai, 2021: The second-lowest total for India at home occurred during a Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai in December 2021 when they were bowled out for just 62 runs. This match highlighted India’s struggles against quality bowling attacks, particularly when conditions favoured seamers.
1) 46 – India vs New Zealand, Bengaluru, 2024:
India’s total of 46 runs is now the lowest ever recorded by the team in Tests at home. The batting collapse came after captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first following a rain-affected start to the match. The innings was characterized by a series of quick wickets, with Matt Henry and his fellow bowlers dismantling India’s batting order with ease.
