India Bowled Out for 46 Runs, Setting New Low in Test History

Bengaluru, 18th October 2024: India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs, marking their lowest-ever Test total on home soil, during the first Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first on Day 2, following a rain delay the previous day, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed first, bowled by Tim Southee, leading to a rapid succession of wickets.

With Shubman Gill unavailable, Virat Kohli was promoted to the No. 3 position from his usual No. 4 spot but fell for a duck after just eight balls. India lost four additional wickets before the Lunch break.

By the time they reached the interval, India had lost six wickets for just 34 runs, which was their sixth-lowest score at that stage in a Test match. R. Ashwin became the seventh wicket to fall on the first ball of the second session as New Zealand’s bowlers, William O’Rourke and Matt Henry, dominated the Indian batting lineup.

Although the total of 46 surpassed India’s previous record low of 36, set against Australia in 2020 in Adelaide, it was their lowest Test total at home since they were all out for 75 against the West Indies in Delhi in 1987. The innings saw five players—Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R. Ashwin—dismissed for ducks, the second-highest number for an Indian Test innings.

India’s Lowest Test Totals at Home:
– 46 vs. New Zealand, Bengaluru, 17 Oct 2024
– 75 vs. West Indies, Delhi, 25 Nov 1987
– 76 vs. South Africa, Ahmedabad, 3 Apr 2008
– 83 vs. England, Chennai, 14 Jan 1977
– 83 vs. New Zealand, Mohali, 10 Oct 1999
– 88 vs. New Zealand, Brabourne, 12 Mar 1965
– 89 vs. New Zealand, Hyderabad (Deccan), 15 Oct 1969
– 90 vs. West Indies, Eden Gardens, 10 Dec 1983
– 100 vs. England, Wankhede, 18 Mar 2006