While cricket fans frequently rejoice over massive totals, some of the most fascinating records are found in India’s lowest Test score. India’s defeat to Australia in Adelaide in December 2020 resulted in their lowest-ever Test score of 36, a humiliating failure that supporters throughout the world still remember. For India’s lowest test score in any innings, this continues to be the standard.
Below is a summary of India’s lowest score in test matches, with details on opposition, venue, and date:
| Rank | Total | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36 | Australia | Adelaide | 17 Dec 2020 |
| 2 | 42 | England | Lord’s | Jun 1974 |
| 3 | 46 | New Zealand | Bengaluru | 17 Oct 2024 |
| 4 | 58 | Australia | Brisbane | Nov 1947 |
| 5 | 58 | England | Manchester | Jul 1952 |
| 6 | 66 | South Africa | Durban | Dec 1996 |
| 7 | 67 | Australia | Melbourne | Feb 1948 |
| 8 | 75 | West Indies | Delhi | Nov 1987 |
| 9 | 76 | South Africa | Ahmedabad | Apr 2008 |
| 10 | 78 | England | Leeds | Aug 2021 |
1. 36 All Out – Adelaide, 17 December 2020
India achieved the infamous low score of 36 runs in their second innings against Australia, securing their position as the team with the lowest score in Test history. In just 21 overs, the batting unit collapsed under the constant pressure of swing and pace.
This score is still among the lowest in all of Test cricket and the lowest in the Indian Test.
2. 42 All Out – Lord’s, June 1974
In a legendary Lord’s Test match in 1974, England dismissed India for 42 in the third innings. This continues to be India’s lowest test score overseas and their second-lowest overall score ever.
3. 46 All Out – Bengaluru, October 2024
When India lost to New Zealand for 46 in the first Test at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was their lowest-ever test score at home.
After falling behind 36 and 42, this score is their third-worst innings. Additionally, it is the lowest mark in India’s domestic test.
4. 58 All Out – Brisbane, 1947 & Manchester, 1952
- 58 vs. Australia, November 1947, Brisbane
- 58 vs. England, July 1952, Manchester – India’s fourth-worst scores are two identical totals. Under Lala Amarnath’s leadership, Brisbane collapsed, while Vijay Hazare led Manchester to surrender.
5. 66 All Out – Durban, Dec 1996
India only scored 66 runs in their fourth innings against South Africa. It continues to be among the lowest in recent decades, led by Rahul Dravid’s courageous 27*.
6. 67 All Out – Melbourne, Feb 1948
India defeated Australia in the second innings under Lala Amarnath, returning 67 all out in the same era as 1947.
7. 75 All Out – Delhi, Nov 1987
India defeated Australia in the second innings under Lala Amarnath, returning 67 all out in the same era as 1947.
8. 76 All Out – Ahmedabad, Apr 2008
In 2008, 76 all out versus South Africa caused another collapse at the Sardar Patel Stadium. This is one of India’s 10 worst Test innings.
9. 78 All Out – Leeds, Aug 2021
One of India’s worst defeats abroad came in Leeds, where they collapsed for 78 in the opening innings of a Test match against England.
10. 81 All Out – Bridgetown, Mar 1997 & Wellington, Feb 1976
India recorded twin scores that rank among their worst ten, scoring 81 in Bridgetown vs. West Indies (1997) and 81 in Wellington vs. New Zealand (1976).
Contextual Insights
India’s lowest test score of 36, an ignoble record, caused people all around the country to reflect. Australia’s superiority and India’s weakness in unfamiliar circumstances were exemplified by the collapse.
Historic Low at Home
In addition to rewriting history, the 46-all-out in Bengaluru was the lowest score in an Indian test at home, surpassing the 75-run collapse in 1987. It acted as a reminder that India is still vulnerable, even in well-known, unexplored territory.
A Recurring Pattern
Upon close examination, the list shows clusters of poor scores in the 1990s–2000s and the late 1940s–early 1950s. When compared to excellent pace or swing bowling, this pattern shows times when great batting is underdeveloped. These breakdowns were caused in part by foreign playing conditions, coaching deficiencies, and sporadic pitch difficulties.
What Contributed to These Low Totals?
Using Welcoming Pitches to Bowl
Fast-moving bowlers like Pat Cummins, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee were aided by conditions like Adelaide, Lord’s, and Bengaluru on wet days; this was a major contributing element to India’s low Test score.
The weight of expectations
Expectations are high when playing at home. Even elite Indian lineups have faltered when circumstances change or a swing occurs, producing shocking outcomes like the 46 collapse.
Philosophy of Batting
The idea that aggressive batting isn’t always effective in challenging situations is becoming more widely acknowledged. The Times article highlighted how recent changes in thinking that favour attacks could make collapse danger higher .
Disparities by Historical Era
In the 1940s and 1950s, low scores resulted from bowlers controlling early games, exposed pitches, and a squad that was still establishing itself abroad.
Conclusion: Learning from Low Scores
Both weakness and potential can be seen in India’s path from having the lowest test score to having massive innings like 759/7d in 2016. These low numbers, such as 36, 42, 46, and others, are warning signs:
- There are new things to be learnt from every match.
- The batsman is disciplined by conditions.
- Just as important as talents is the mental game.
It is more than just counting runs to recount India’s lowest test score, low ODI score, and lowest test score. It’s about recalling struggles, admitting weaknesses, and motivating progress.
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