5 Lowest Totals For India In Test Cricket

India recorded it's third lowest total i Test history vs NZ [Source: PTI]India recorded it's third lowest total i Test history vs NZ [Source: PTI]

In the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Rohit Sharma-led side scripted a grim chapter in Indian cricket history, being bowled out for a paltry 46 runs. This score marked India’s lowest-ever total in a home Test, surpassing the previous record of 75, set against the West Indies in Delhi in 1987.

It’s an astonishing low point for a team known for its might on home soil and also ranks as India’s third-lowest Test total overall. Let’s take a look at India’s top five lowest totals in Test cricket.

5. 58 All Out vs England, Manchester (1952)

India 58 All Out vs England [Source: @cjbuch007/x.com]India 58 All Out vs England [Source: @cjbuch007/x.com]

The 1952 Test in Manchester remains a bitter memory, as India was bowled out for 58 runs in the first innings by a powerful English bowling unit while responding to the hosts’ 347/9. The Manchester pitch, damp and challenging, proved too much for the Indian lineup.

Fred Trueman, in only his second Test, was unplayable, ending with figures of 8/31 and slicing through India’s lineup like a hot knife through butter. India’s batsmen struggled to survive even a few overs, folding within 21.4 overs.

Subsequently, India was asked to follow on, and once again they were blown away by England. The visitors were bowled out for a paltry 82 as England won the match by an innings and 207 runs.

4. 58 All Out vs Australia, Brisbane (1947)

India’s tour of Australia in 1947 was historic, as it was their first-ever Test series Down Under. However, the opening Test at Brisbane turned nightmarish when India was bowled out for a paltry 58 runs in the first innings in response to Australia’s 382/8.

The Aussie bowling attack, led by Ernie Toshack, proved too lethal for the visitors, who struggled to adapt to the bouncy Gabba pitch. Toshack finished with figures of 5/2 in 15 balls, while other bowlers chipped in, exploiting India's inexperience with the conditions.

India’s scorecard was a string of low scores, with no batsman finding the rhythm to counter the swinging ball as they were dismissed for 98 in the second innings and lost the clash by an innings and 226 runs.


3. 46 All Out vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (2024)

India 46 All Out vs New Zealand [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]India 46 All Out vs New Zealand [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

The recent Bengaluru Test of 2024 featured another batting collapse that stunned fans, as India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs against New Zealand.

The conditions were favourable for the Kiwis, with early morning moisture aiding swing and seam. New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by an inspired Matt Henry and William O’Rourkee exploited these conditions expertly, placing India on the back foot from the first ball.

Every attempt to stabilize the innings was thwarted, with Indian batsmen falling prey to the disciplined line and length bowling. In 31.2 overs, the hosts were bundled out with Henry picking five and O’Rourkee taking four.

2. 42 All Out vs England, Lord’s (1974)

India 42 All Out vs England [Source: @RSingh6969a/x.com]India 42 All Out vs England [Source: @RSingh6969a/x.com]

The Lord’s Test in 1974, now infamously known as part of India’s “Summer of 42,” is etched in cricketing history. Under overcast skies ideal for swing bowling, Indian batsmen faced a disciplined English attack led by Chris Old and Geoff Arnold.

India’s second innings was more of a procession than a battle, with Arnold (4/19) and Old (5/21) tearing through the lineup. In just 17 overs, India managed only 42 runs, struggling to counter the relentless accuracy and movement, and lost the game by an innings and 285 runs.

This disaster was a bruising blow on one of cricket’s most prestigious stages and highlighted the Indian team’s struggle to handle the seaming English conditions.

1. 36/9 vs Australia, Adelaide (2020)

India 36/9 vs Australia [Source: @913sportfm/x.com]India 36/9 vs Australia [Source: @913sportfm/x.com]

The 2020 Adelaide Test was an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket, albeit for reasons that many would rather forget. India’s first innings was respectable, with a lead of 53 runs.

But their second innings saw an Australian bowling masterclass that left Indian fans in shock. Seamers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins unleashed a devastating spell of fast bowling, swinging and seaming the ball sharply on a bright Adelaide morning.

India’s batsmen fell like a house of cards, with Hazlewood finishing with a surreal 5/8 and Cummins taking 4/21. In just 21.2 overs, India managed a mere 36 runs, their lowest-ever Test total, and went onto lose the match by eight wickets.