The Indian cricket team is one of the finest and the leading teams in all three formats. The team has won hundreds of matches and created unbreakable records. These records are what make the team exceptional and distinct from its competitors. Unfortunately, there are a few records by the team that they should learn from and move on. In the ongoing test match of India vs New Zealand, India was seen going through a very hard time in the 1st match. Here Sportzpoint.com will point out the matches with the lowest scores of India in test history.

Australia- 2020

In the second innings of the first test match of the 2019-20 India tour to Australia, India skittled for 36 just runs in 21.2 overs. This is India's lowest ever test score. None of the Indian cricketers could stand in front of the exceptional Australian bowling lineup. Mayank Agarwal scored the most among all the Indian cricketers with only 9 runs. Moreover, it was one of the disastrous performances of the team ever. But the overall result at the end of the series was in favor of India as India won the series 2-1.

Also Read: Lowest Test Total by India in Home Test

England- 1974

In the 1974 India tour to England, India had a disastrous test match. In the 2nd innings of the 2nd test match, the England bowlers took only 17 overs to send all the visitors back to the pavilion. The team scored a total of only 42 runs and lost the match by an innings and 285 runs.

New Zealand- 2024

India recorded its third-lowest total ever during the second day of the opening Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India was bowled out for 46, which is the lowest total at home, by a disciplined New Zealand fast bowling attack. This is also the first time four of the top seven India batters were dismissed for a duck in a home Test. Overall, India’s 46 is now the lowest total in Asia, surpassing 53 by West Indies against Pakistan at Faisalabad in 1986, and then by Pakistan against Australia at Sharjah in 2002. And it all happened just over a session that was interrupted by a brief shower. 

Australia- 1947

In just 21.3 overs, the Aussies swept away all the Indians with a total of only 58 runs. The match took place in Brisbane in the India tour of Australia. 58 runs were the total of the first innings which was followed by a total of 98 in the second innings. Without a single thought, the host won the match by an innings and 226 runs.

England- 1952

Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester witnessed one of the worst performances of the Indian test team during the 3rd match of the India tour of England. In the first innings, the visitors had a hard time scoring runs and ended up getting all out at 58 runs in 21.4 overs. The 1st innings was followed up by 82 all out in the 2nd innings. The host country won the match by an innings and 207 runs.

Also Read: Most consecutive test series wins at home: India eye their 19th test series win at home against New Zealand

South Africa- 1996

In the first test match of the 1996 India tour of South Africa, South Africa won the match by a whooping 328 runs. The reason behind the host's big victory is a very poor performance by the Indian team. In the first innings, the visitors went all out by scoring 100 runs which were followed by a total of 66 runs in 34.1 overs. The match was hosted in Durban.

Australia- 1948

The 1948 Indian tour of Australia was a big disaster. Firstly the visitors lost the series badly, and on top of that, the Indian team also scored one of its lowest scores in test history. In the 5th test match hosted in Melbourne, India scored 67 runs all out in the second innings. The host bowlers took only 24.2 overs to send the Indian cricketers back to the pavilion.

West Indies- 1987

Within only 30.5 overs, the West Indies cricketers sent all the Indian cricketers back to the pavilion in the 1987 test series. In the 1987-88 West Indies tour of India, the Indian team only managed to score 75 runs in 30.5 overs. This was the result of the first innings of the 1st test match hosted in Delhi. Arun Lal scored the highest runs with only 20. The visitors won the match by 5 wickets and led the 4-match series 1-0.

Also Read: Top 5 players with the most man of the series awards in International cricket

South Africa- 2008

Once again the Indian team scored one of its lowest test scores against South Africa in 2008. India managed to score only 76 runs as they what all out within 20 overs. This happened in the 2nd test of the South Africa tour of India hosted in Ahmedabad. It was quite shocking to see the horrifying performance of the Indian team despite the presence of legendary batsmen like Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Wasim Jaffer.

Surprisingly the bowler, Irfan Pathan scored the highest run in this innings and made 21 runs. Dale Steyn had a terrific impact on the match as he picked up a few important wickets and also a fifer. AB de Villiers won the Player of the Match as he scored a double ton in the 1st innings. Without any doubt, South Africa won the match by an innings and 90 runs.

England- 2021

The most recent disappointing performance of the Indian cricket team is the 3rd test match against England. Despite the presence of eminent batsmen like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, and Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian team could not score more than 78 in 40.4 overs. The match resulted in the favour of England as they won the 3rd match of the series. The result of the ongoing series is 1-1 between India and England.

In test cricket, we often expect batters to dominate the scoring. But what if the biggest surprise came from a bowler? We're talking about the incredible feat of Jasprit Bumrah, who broke all the previous records for most runs in an over in tests.

Dive into this list of players who shaped this record for most runs in an over in tests.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (35 runs) | India

• The over: 4, WD, 4, NB, 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1
• Opposition: England

The current undisputed king of the "most runs in an over" record in test cricket is Jasprit Bumrah. He came out as an unlikely record-breaker and stunned everyone.

In July 2022, facing Stuart Board in England, Bumrah, who was captaining the side, smashed 35 runs in a single over.

The over included fours, a massive six off a no-ball, a wide, and even boundary off a bye, totalling 35 runs. Of these, 29 runs came off his bat directly.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

2. Brian Lara (28 runs) | West Indies

• The over: 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4
• Opposition: South Africa

The West Indies batting legend, Brian Lara, was the first to achieve this milestone of scoring 28 runs in a single over, which is the second-highest score.

In December 2003, facing South African left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, he showcased his destructive power with a combination of fours and sixes.

Lara's ability to dominate even the best bowlers was a hallmark of his career.

3. George Bailey (28 runs) | Australia

• The over: 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6
• Opposition: England

A decade later, in December 2013, Australia's George Bailey equaled Lara's record during an Ashes Test against England in Perth.

Bailey hit 3 sixes and 2 boundaries, along with a quick two runs, to score 28 runs in an over facing England's pacer, James Anderson.

Read Also: Most Test wins as a captain

4. Keshav Maharaj (28 runs) | South Africa

• The over: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, b4
• Opposition: England

Adding to the list is another surprising knock of South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who joined the list for most runs in an over in tests by scoring 28 runs off an over.

In January 2020, he took on England captain and part-time spinner Joe Root, in a match played in Port Elizabeth.

Other players with 25+ runs in an over in tests:

One of Test cricket's most esteemed rivalries, the Pataudi Trophy, contested between India and England, has been officially renamed the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This major decision was taken by ECB and BCCI, announced and confirmed ahead of the upcoming highly anticipated series, set to begin on June 20, 2025.

Explore why was Pataudi Trophy renamed as Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of India vs England test series below:

Honouring Legends: Why Tendulkar and Anderson?

The renaming of Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is a move to honor and celebrate two legendary figures of test cricket of the contemporary era.

The 'God' of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, holds an unmatched array of records, including most runs and centuries in tests. Similarly, James Anderson stands as most successful fast bowler in the history of Tests. His career was nothing short of extraordinary skills, achivements, and consistent excellence.

The renaming therefore celebrates not just individual brilliance of these legends from India and England, but also earned them a rightful place at the forefront of this historic rivalry's new identity!

End of an Era: The Pataudi Legacy

The Pataudi Trophy, which has represented the Test series between India and England for decades, now passes onto history. Named in the honor of former Indian captains, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, it symbolised a rich connection between Indian and English cricket.

It was first awarded in 2007 and India won it in the English soil.

Read Also: Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

A joint ceremony to unveil the new legacy:

The newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is set for its official unveiling by both the legends. Tendulkar and Anderson will unveil the trophy at Lord's, during the WTC (2023-25) Final, which commences on June 11, 2025.

India and England will kick-off the new WTC Cycle by playing a five-Test series starting at Headingley (Leeds) from June 20.

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Overton replaces Atkinson

Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.

Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Carse, Woakes included in the squad

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.

Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.

Ben Stokes to lead the team

England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.

Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Also Read: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

ENG vs IND Test Series Schedule

• 20-24 June 2025 - 1st Test, Headingley
• 2-6 July 2025 - 2nd Test, Edgbaston
• 10-14 July 2025 - Third Test, Lord's
• 23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
• 31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval

ENG vs IND | England full squad

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

In Test cricket, captaincy is often associated with experience and seasoned wisdom, which matters in the long format. However, young talents step up early and prove how they are worthy of leadership.

With Shubman Gill stepping up as the new test captain for India, let's take a moment to celebrate the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.

Here we bring you the five youngest cricket to ever represent India in tests as a captain.

5. Shubman Gill (25 years 285 days) | 2025

The newest name to join this list of young Indian test captains is Shubman Gill. At the age of 25 years and 285 days, Gill became the 37th test captain of India, and is set to lead in the longest format of the game.

The Indian team will play under Gill's captaincy with the commencement of five-match test series against England on June 20, 2025. This was a major change in the test squad after the former captain, Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced retirement from tests.

Gill made his test debut against Australia in December 2020, and scored 1893 runs, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties so far. With this new turnaround in his career, he became the 5th youngest cricketer to lead India in tests.

Read Also: Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

4. Ravi Shastri (25 years 229 days) | 1988

A prominent all-rounder and later a successful coach for the Indian team, Ravi Shastri also briefly held the reins of Test captaincy. He took on the role at the age of 25 years and 229 days, when he led India against West Indies on January 11, 1988.

His captaincy tenure was limited to a single match, but it was a memorable one, as India secured a victory by 255 runs. Shastri scored 3830 runs and took 151 wickets in his test career, that spanned from 1981 to 1992.

3. Kapil Dev (24 years 48 days) | 1983

The legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev stepped into test captaincy for India at the age of 24 years and 48 days. His first match as a captain was against West Indies on February 23, 1983.

Dev captained India in 34 matches and proved how he was worthy of the position with true leadership skills at such young age. He took 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs in his test career (1978-1994).

He is still the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team, and comes third in the list for youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

2. Sachin Tendulkar (23 years 169 days) | 1996

One of the greatest batsmen of all time, Sachin Tendulkar also had his tenure as the test captain of India at the age of 23 years and 169 days. He first took on the captaincy to lead India in a match against Australia, in 1996.

Tendulkar's captaincy journey had two phases, with him leading in 25 matches. He had an incredible test career with 15921 runs in 200 matches, which is still the highest by any batter in the world!

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years 77 days) | 1962

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India's youngest ever test captain, having taken the role at the age of just 21 years and 77 days! He was famously known as 'Tiger' Pataudi in the field of cricket.

He captained India in 40 matches out of his 46-match test career. Despite losing his right eye in an accident early in his career, he continued to play and lead with brilliant skills and courage.

Pataudi scored 2793 runs, smashing 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in his test career (1961-1975).

India A started their England tour on a great note with a solid Day 1 display against the England Lions in Canterbury. Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A.

England Lions captain James Rew won the toss and decided to bowl first on a greenish pitch at the St. Lawrence Ground. 

India A lost captain Abhimanyu Easwaran early on 8 while Yashasvi Jaiswal went back to the dressing room after adding 24. 

When it looked like that, Rew took the right decision of bowling first, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair put up a 181-run partnership for the third wicket to give India A the advantage after Day 1’s play. 

Karun Nair, who last played a test match in 2017, continued his great form and completed his fifty in 85 balls. 

Soon, Sarfraz Khan, who was dropped from the test squad, completed his fifty in 84 balls as well. When both batters were looking to get to the hundred mark first, Sarfraz was caught down the leg side on 92 off 119 balls and missed his ton.

Sarfaraz Khan gets dismissed 8 short of a well-deserved hundred.

Sarfaraz was looking good but was eventually caught down the leg side on 92.

Karun Nair is batting on 97!

India A 233/3 in the first inning!#ENGAvINDA #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/pY7pCRmwZP

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) May 30, 2025

Nair, who was dropped on 89 off Ajeet Singh Dale, completed his 24th first-class ton off 155 balls.

Post that, incoming batter Dhruv Jurel and Nair started smashing the bowlers and changed their gears. Nair reached the landmark of 150 in 205 balls while Jurel reached his fifty in just 68 balls.

At the end of Day 1 of the 4-day unofficial test match, Jurel remained unbeaten on 82 off 104 balls while Nair remained unbeaten on 186 from 246 balls, with India A finishing with 409/3.