India suffered a historic batting collapse as they were bowled out for their lowest-ever Test total at home, scoring just 46 runs in the first innings against New Zealand during the Bengaluru Test. This score also marks their third-lowest total in Test cricket overall. India’s previous lowest Test total at home was 75, recorded against the West Indies in Delhi back in 1987.
The shocking collapse came as the Indian batsmen struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, which completely dismantled the Indian lineup. Several key players, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, failed to open their accounts, registering ducks. The only batsmen to reach double figures were yashaswi jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who scored 13 and 20, respectively.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by a devastating spell from Matt Henry, made the most of the seaming conditions in Bengaluru. Henry took 5 wickets, while Tim Southee and Will O’rourke added to India’s woes with relentless pressure from the other end. Henry’s exceptional swing and accuracy rattled the Indian top-order, and wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts reeling.
The total of 46 is now India’s lowest in Test cricket on home soil, erasing the previous record of 75 set 37 years ago. It is also India’s third-lowest Test score overall, behind their 42 all-out against England at Lord’s in 1974, and 36 all-out against Australia in Adelaide during the 2020 series.
With India trailing New Zealand after the first innings, they face an uphill battle to salvage the Test match and avoid further embarrassment in front of their home crowd.
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