Top 3 lowest totals by India in Tests

Discover the top 3 lowest totals by India in Test matches. India has been susceptible to many collapses in the longest format of the game. Especially in the last 5 years or so, there have been numerous such instances both at home and in away conditions. While the Indian team has returned from difficult situations to win or level the series, they have a dark spot for such collapses.

More often than not, collapses are ensured with recovery. However, there are some innings where the batters could not do much given the momentum and the quality of bowling. Such performances account for the lowest team total by India in an innings. 

Here are the top 3 lowest totals of India in the history of Test cricket:

1. 46 runs- India against New Zealand, Bengaluru 2024

This was the most recent instance of India being dismissed to a low score. It was the first Test of the series between India and New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The first day of the Test was washed out due to rain. A damp pitch meant that swing, seam, and uneven bounce were on offer for the bowlers.

The Kiwi bowlers made good use of the conditions. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma got it wrong at the toss and paid for it. The Kiwi trio of Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Tim Southee ran through the Indian batting order. Barring Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal to an extent, other batters did not put up enough fight. It ensured that India was dismissed for just 46 runs.

2. 42 runs- India against England, Lord’s 1974

It was the second Test of the series between India and England at the home of cricket in London. The previous instance of India touring England witnessed history as the Asian side claimed their maiden Test series win in England. The home side wanted to avenge it and did so in style at Lord’s. Batting first, England posted a mammoth total of 629 runs on the board.

India replied with a decent 302 in their first innings. The visiting side was asked to follow on in the second innings. The bowling duo of Geoff Arnold and Chris Old ran through the Indian batting order. While Arnold claimed 4/19, Old claimed 5/21. The duo helped England to restrict India to a paltry total of 42 runs. England beat India by an innings and 285 runs.

3. 36 runs- India against Australia, Adelaide 2020

It was probably the most embarrassing scoreboard an Indian team had ever witnessed to date. With all the hype surrounding the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21, the first Test happened at the Adelaide Oval. India posted 244 in their first innings. Australia did not bat well and managed to score 191 runs.

The match will be remembered for the Indian innings. It seemed like everything the Australian trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins touched turned out to be gold. The stars of the show were Hazlewood and Starc who claimed 5/ 8 and 4/22 respectively. India was restricted to 36 runs, their lowest total in the history of Tests.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.