Test cricket, when the mental toughness and technical skills of the players are tested over long periods, is often considered the biggest challenge. But even though India is one of the most successful cricketing nations in the world, there have been some extremely disappointing periods. Some of these are when the country has posted the lowest Test cricket scores at domestic and international levels. These examples reflect India's fightback in difficult situations, whether it is a historic failure abroad or a defeat at home in front of local supporters.
India's Lowest Test Score at Home
India recorded their lowest Test score on home soil against the West Indies on November 25, 1987, at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley) ground in Delhi. West Indies pacer Patrick Patterson did a lot of damage, and India was bowled out for just 75 runs in 30.5 overs. This is still India's lowest score on home soil and represents the day when the team collapsed in front of its supporters.
Another poor performance was seen in Ahmedabad in 2008 when South Africa bundled out India for 76. Dale Steyn's five wickets that day devastated the Indian batting order. India's other low scores at home include 83 against England in Chennai in 1977 and 99 against New Zealand in Mohali, highlighting the team's vulnerability in difficult conditions.
Rain interrupted play on the first day of the recent Bengaluru Test against New Zealand in October 2024, leaving India tottering at 34/6 on the second day. This disastrous situation has raised serious concerns for the team. The collapse is a reminder of how easily India's batting can crumble under pressure, leaving the team at risk of posting yet another lowest total at home.
India’s Lowest Test Scores at Home List
Score | Overs | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Date |
|---|
75 | 30.5 | 1 | West Indies | Delhi | 25-Nov-87 |
76 | 20 | 1 | South Africa | Ahmedabad | 03-Apr-08 |
83 | 38.5 | 4 | England | Chennai | 14-Jan-77 |
83 | 27 | 1 | New Zealand | Mohali | 10-Oct-99 |
88 | 33.3 | 2 | New Zealand | Brabourne | 12-Mar-65 |
89 | 54.2 | 2 | New Zealand | Hyderabad (Deccan) | 15-Oct-69 |
90 | 30 | 3 | West Indies | Eden Gardens | 10-Dec-83 |
100 | 48.2 | 4 | England | Wankhede | 18-Mar-06 |
India's Lowest Test Score Overseas
India's domestic record is dismal, but their international play has been even more worrying. India registered their lowest-ever Test score during the first Test match of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy played at Adelaide. India was bowled out for just 36 runs by Australia in that match, their lowest-ever score in the history of Test cricket. Apart from setting a new record, this disastrous result also marked a significant decline in India's otherwise brilliant series, which they eventually won 2-1.
India's other lowest scores at the international level include 58 against Australia at Brisbane in 1947 and 42 against England at Lord's in 1974. These scores reflect India's difficulties against some of the world's strongest bowling attacks, especially when playing overseas when conditions do not suit their traditional style of play.
India’s Lowest Test Scores Overseas
Score | Overs | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Date |
|---|
36 | 21.2 | 3 | Australia | Adelaide | 17-Dec-20 |
42 | 17 | 3 | England | Lord’s | 20-Jun-74 |
58 | 21.3 | 2 | Australia | Brisbane | 28-Nov-47 |
58 | 21.4 | 2 | England | Manchester | 17-Jul-52 |
66 | 34.1 | 4 | South Africa | Durban | 26-Dec-96 |
67 | 24.2 | 3 | Australia | Melbourne | 06-Feb-48 |
75 | 30.5 | 1 | West Indies | Delhi (Home) | 25-Nov-87 |
76 | 20 | 1 | South Africa | Ahmedabad (Home) | 03-Apr-08 |
78 | 40.4 | 1 | England | Leeds | 25-Aug-21 |
81 | 35.5 | 4 | West Indies | Bridgetown | 27-Mar-97 |
81 | 26.3 | 3 | New Zealand | Wellington | 13-Feb-76 |
82 | 36.3 | 3 | England | Manchester | 17-Jul-52 |
83 | 38.5 | 4 | England | Chennai (Home) | 14-Jan-77 |
83 | 27 | 1 | New Zealand | Mohali (Home) | 10-Oct-99 |
88 | 33.3 | 2 | New Zealand | Brabourne (Home) | 12-Mar-65 |
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