Bengaluru, India — In a stunning turn of events, the Indian cricket team faced one of its most humiliating defeats on Thursday, as they were bowled out for a mere 46 runs against New Zealand in a Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This dismal performance marks India’s lowest total in a home Test match, shattering a record that stood for 37 years. The day began with high hopes, but the Indian batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure of New Zealand’s formidable pace attack. The overcast conditions played into the visitors' hands, allowing them to exploit every weakness in the Indian order.
The home crowd watched in disbelief as five Indian batters were dismissed without scoring—a rare and painful sight that left fans shaking their heads. Previously, India’s lowest home Test total was 75 runs, achieved against the West Indies in Delhi back in 1987. However, Thursday’s 46 runs eclipsed that record, leaving cricket enthusiasts questioning what went wrong. This collapse is only the second time in India's Test history that five players have recorded ducks in a home innings, the first instance being against New Zealand in Mohali in 1999.
This latest debacle also draws grim comparisons to India’s infamous 36 all-out against Australia in Adelaide in 2020, which had sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. As the dust settles on this recent performance, many fans are left to ponder how a team that has historically thrived in home conditions could falter so dramatically. The statistics speak for themselves. The following is a list of India’s lowest Test totals at home 46 in 31.2 overs vs New Zealand, Bengaluru, 2024 - 75 in 30.4 overs vs West Indies, Delhi, 1987 - 76 in 20 overs vs South Africa, Ahmedabad, 2008 - 83 in 27 overs vs New Zealand, Mohali, 1999 - 88 in 33.3 overs vs New Zealand, Mumbai, 1965 In contrast, India’s lowest Test totals away from home include 36 in 21.2 overs vs Australia, Adelaide, 2020 - 42 in 17 overs vs England, Lord’s, 1974 - 58 in 21.3 overs vs Australia, Brisbane, 1947 - 58 in 21.4 overs vs England, Manchester, 1952 - 66 in 34.1 overs vs South Africa, Durban, 1996 As the Indian team regroups and reflects on this shocking defeat, fans will be hoping for a swift turnaround in the remaining matches. The cricketing world watches closely, waiting to see how this historic collapse will shape the future of Indian cricket.