Cricket is a game of highs and lows, and for the Indian Test team, some of their performances have been painfully low. On October 17, 2023, India faced New Zealand in Bengaluru and managed to score a mere 46 runs, marking their third-lowest score in Test history and their second-lowest at home. This article delves into the top 10 worst batting performances by India in Test cricket, reflecting a history of unexpected collapses.
India vs New Zealand: A New Low
In the recent Test match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, India struggled dramatically, leading to a humiliating 46 all out. This score is the lowest at home since 1987, when they recorded 75 runs against the West Indies in Delhi. Rishabh Pant was the standout performer, scoring 20 runs, while five other players went for a duck. New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, wreaked havoc, claiming 5 and 4 wickets, respectively.
Top 10 Worst Batting Performances by India
- 36 All Out vs Australia (Adelaide, December 2020)
In a historic low, India finished their second innings with just 36 runs, the lowest score in Test history. Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Mayank Agarwal was the top scorer with just 9 runs. - 42 All Out vs England (Lord’s, June 1974)
Captained by Ajit Wadekar, India managed only 42 runs in this match, with Eknath Solkar remaining not out at 18. This remains one of the most dismal outings for the team. - 46 All Out vs New Zealand (Bengaluru, October 2023)
India’s recent collapse marks their third-lowest score ever. The performance has raised questions about batting strategies and consistency. - 58 All Out vs Australia (Brisbane, November 1947)
Under Lala Amarnath’s captaincy, India scored just 58, with Amarnath himself top-scoring at 22 runs. - 58 All Out vs England (Manchester, 1952)
In a similar fate, India was bowled out for 58 again, with Vijay Manjrekar as the highest scorer with 22 runs. The team’s captain was Vijay Hazare. - 66 All Out vs South Africa (Durban, December 1996)
India faced another low point with a score of 66 in their second innings, under Sachin Tendulkar’s leadership, where Rahul Dravid managed 27 runs. - 67 All Out vs Australia (February 1948)
Another disastrous outing occurred against Australia, where India was bowled out for 67. Hemu Adhikari was the highest scorer with 17 runs. - 75 All Out vs West Indies (Delhi, November 1987)
Under Dilip Vengsarkar’s captaincy, India could only manage 75 runs, with Arun Lal scoring 20, showcasing the team’s struggle against the West Indies. - 76 All Out vs South Africa (Ahmedabad, April 2008)
In a Test match led by Anil Kumble, India scored 76 runs, with Irfan Pathan remaining unbeaten at 21. - 78 All Out vs England (Leeds, August 2021)
Captained by Virat Kohli, India faced a major collapse, scoring just 78 runs, with Rohit Sharma contributing a mere 19 runs.
Conclusion
These batting collapses reflect the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and the challenges faced by the Indian team over the years. While the lows can be disheartening, they also serve as reminders of the resilience and spirit required to succeed at the highest level. As cricket fans, we can only hope for better performances in the future and a revival of form for the Indian batting lineup.
