The second cricket contest between India and South Africa, hosted at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, culminated unfavorably for the squad representing the home nation, resulting in a significant loss of 408 runs. The outcome not only confirmed a 2-0 series triumph for the South African team—marking their first Test series victory on Indian grounds since the year 2000—but also inscribed a somber landmark in the annals of cricketing history. This substantial setback is now registered as the most considerable defeat in the extensive Test history of Team India, greatly exceeding the previously recorded margins of defeat. Reflecting on this, it’s insightful to examine some of the most significant defeats India has faced in this format of the game.
Team India’s five biggest Test defeats (by runs)
408 runs vs South Africa (Guwahati, 2025)
This significant defeat by 408 runs to South Africa marks India’s most substantial loss in Test cricket concerning the number of runs, solidifying a noteworthy 2-0 series victory for the visiting team—their initial series triumph on Indian playing fields in a quarter-century. South Africa demonstrated dominance in all aspects, achieving a formidable score of 489 in the initial innings, largely attributed to Senuran Muthusamy’s century and Marco Jansen’s score of 93. Jansen also made a significant impact with the ball, securing 6 wickets for 48 runs, resulting in India being dismissed for 201. In pursuit of a challenging 549, the Indian batting lineup faltered against off-spinner Simon Harmer, who achieved a career-best performance of 6 wickets for 37 runs in the fourth innings, earning him the title of Player of the Series. In addition, Aiden Markram established a new global benchmark for the highest number of catches taken by a fielder in a single Test match, with 9 catches.
342 runs vs Australia (Nagpur, 2004)
This overwhelming setback, formerly recognized as India’s most significant in terms of runs, unfolded during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was pivotal in securing Australia’s inaugural Test series victory on Indian soil since 1969. The match was defined by a contentious pitch that favored fast bowlers—allegedly prepared against the desires of the Indian captain—which ideally suited Australia’s strengths. Australia’s dominance was absolute, underscored by an impactful performance from fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who captured nine wickets during the match, effectively dismantling the Indian batting lineup that struggled when pursuing a formidable target of 543 runs.
341 runs vs Pakistan (Karachi, 2006)
India’s most significant defeat on foreign soil occurred during the third Test of the 2006 series in Karachi, despite a promising commencement where Irfan Pathan achieved a historic feat by becoming the first bowler in Test history to secure a hat-trick in the match’s opening over. Nevertheless, the initial advantage was rapidly neutralized as Pakistan’s lower order demonstrated resilience, followed by a stellar performance from their top-order batsmen in the second innings. Seven out of the eight Pakistani batsmen who participated in the third and fourth innings scored fifty or more runs, establishing an unattainable target. India’s subsequent batting collapse, highlighted by Abdul Razzaq’s capture of four wickets, finalized the substantial 341-run defeat.
Also READ: WTC points table 2025-27 [Updated]: India slips to fifth place after crushing defeat against South Africa in Guwahati Test
337 runs vs Australia (Melbourne, 2007)
This notable loss during the Boxing Day Test, which initiated the controversial 2007-08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, witnessed India’s collapse in the fourth innings while attempting to chase a challenging target of 499 runs. Following Australia’s declaration in their second innings, setting an almost insurmountable chase, the Indian batsmen were unable to resist the Australian pace attack, ultimately being dismissed for a mere 161 runs on a deteriorating MCG pitch. The match distinctly highlighted Australia’s unrelenting bowling prowess and significantly impacted the Indian team’s morale, establishing a gloomy atmosphere for the contentious series that ensued.
333 runs vs Australia (Pune, 2017)
The 333-run defeat against Australia in 2017 was undeniably one of India’s most startling home defeats in recent times, effectively ending the team’s commendable streak of 19 unbeaten matches under the leadership of then-captain Virat Kohli. The game occurred on a pitch that heavily favored spin bowling, but it was the visiting left-arm spinner, Steve O’Keefe, who optimally exploited the conditions, achieving an extraordinary match record of 12 wickets for merely 70 runs—marking the best figures ever recorded by a visiting spinner in India at that juncture. India’s batting lineup experienced a significant failure in both innings, being bowled out for scores of 105 and 107, thereby demonstrating how excessively aggressive pitch preparation can produce unfavorable results.
Also READ: IND vs SA: Aiden Markram overtakes Ajinkya Rahane to script world record in Test cricket
