Top 5 biggest defeats of Team India in Test cricket

The second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium concluded with a devastating result for the hosts, who suffered a massive 408-run defeat. The loss not only sealed a 2-0 series sweep for the Proteas—their first Test series win on Indian soil since 2000—but also etched a grim new record into the history books. This monumental loss now stands as the largest defeat in Team India’s long Test history, surpassing the previous worst margins by a significant distance. On that note, let’s have a look at some of India’s biggest defeats in the longest format.

Team India’s five biggest Test defeats (by runs)

408 runs vs South Africa (Guwahati, 2025)

This monumental 408-run defeat against South Africa stands as India’s heaviest loss ever in Test cricket by a margin of runs, sealing a historic 2-0 series sweep for the visitors—their first series victory on Indian soil in 25 years. South Africa dominated across departments, posting a mammoth 489 in the first innings, largely thanks to Senuran Muthusamy‘s century and Marco Jansen‘s 93. Jansen followed up with a destructive 6/48 with the ball to dismiss India for 201. Chasing an improbable 549, the Indian batting lineup collapsed against off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed a career-best 6/37 in the fourth innings, earning him the Player of the Series award. The contest also saw Aiden Markram set a new world record for the most catches by a fielder in a single Test match (9).

342 runs vs Australia (Nagpur, 2004)

This crushing defeat, which previously stood as India’s heaviest by runs, occurred during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was instrumental in Australia securing their first Test series win on Indian soil since 1969. The match was characterized by a controversial, fast-bowler friendly pitch—reportedly prepared against the wishes of the Indian captain—that played perfectly into Australia’s hands. The Australian dominance was absolute, highlighted by a lethal spell from fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who claimed nine wickets in the match, systematically dismantling the Indian batting lineup that crumbled while chasing a mammoth 543-run target.

341 runs vs Pakistan (Karachi, 2006)

India’s largest defeat away from home came during the third Test of the 2006 series in Karachi, despite an electrifying start where Irfan Pathan became the first bowler in Test history to take a hat-trick in the first over of the match. However, the initial advantage was quickly erased as Pakistan’s lower order recovered strongly, and then their top-order put on a magnificent display in the second innings. Seven of the eight Pakistani batters to take the crease in the third and fourth innings scored fifty or more, setting an unreachable target. India’s subsequent batting collapse, led by a four-wicket haul from Abdul Razzaq, sealed the massive 341-run loss.

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337 runs vs Australia (Melbourne, 2007)

This heavy Boxing Day Test loss, which opened the controversial 2007-08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, saw India collapse in the fourth innings while chasing a demanding target of 499 runs. After Australia declared their second innings, setting up an almost impossible chase, the Indian batters were unable to withstand the Australian pace attack, folding for a mere 161 runs on a deteriorating MCG pitch. The match was a clear display of Australia’s relentless bowling and took a heavy toll on the Indian team’s confidence, setting a gloomy tone for the contentious series that followed.

333 runs vs Australia (Pune, 2017)

The 333-run defeat against Australia in 2017 was arguably one of India’s most shocking home losses in recent memory, as it ended the team’s impressive 19-match unbeaten streak under then-captain Virat Kohli. The match was played on an extremely spin-friendly pitch, but it was the visiting left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe who exploited the conditions most effectively, claiming a spectacular match haul of 12 wickets for just 70 runs—the best-ever figures by a visiting spinner in India at the time. India’s batting lineup failed spectacularly in both innings, getting bowled out for 105 and 107, demonstrating how overly-aggressive pitch preparation can backfire.

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