Top 5 biggest defeats by runs for India in Test Cricket

Image Source: X

Top 5 biggest defeats by runs for India in Test Cricket: The Indian cricket team has a stellar history in the Test format, but it has also suffered some bitter defeats in the longest format. Recently, the crushing defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati disappointed Indian cricket fans. This defeat not only resulted in a series loss but also set a record for India's biggest Test defeat by a margin of runs.

In this article, let's take a detailed look at the result of the Guwahati Test match and analyze India's five biggest Test defeats by runs.

Guwahati Test: South Africa's historic performance

Image Source: X

The Indian team's performance in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati was quite ordinary. The visiting team dominated the hosts in both batting and bowling. South Africa played brilliantly and defeated India by a huge margin of 408 runs.

This defeat is historic and disappointing for India in many ways

• Biggest defeat for India: This is India's biggest defeat in Test cricket history in terms of runs. Before this, India had never lost a Test match by a margin of 400 or more runs.
• Biggest defeat on home soil: This is also India's biggest defeat on home soil.
• Series whitewash: With this victory, South Africa whitewashed India 2-0 and won a Test series in India after nearly 25 years. Previously, South Africa had defeated India 2-0 in 2000 under the captaincy of Graeme Smith.

South Africa not only won this match, but also won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs, making their victory even more memorable.

India's 5 biggest defeats in Test cricket by runs

The crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati surpassed all previous major defeats. Here is a list of India's 5 biggest Test cricket defeats by runs:

5. By 333 runs – Against Australia (Pune, 2017)

Image Source: X

• Match: 1st Test, 2017
• Opposition: Australia
• Venue: Pune (India)
• Highlight: This was an unexpected defeat for India against Australia, even on spin-friendly pitches at home.

4. By 337 runs – Against Australia (Melbourne, 2007)

Image Source: X

• Match: 4th Test, 2007
• Opposition: Australia
• Venue: Melbourne (Australia)
• Highlight: This was a big defeat for India on an overseas tour to Australia, a result of their strong home team's defeat. This represents a significant performance.

Also Read: Where to Watch SMAT 2025 Matches Live on TV and Mobile

3. By 341 runs – against Pakistan (Karachi, 2006)

Image Source: X

• Match: Third Test, 2006
• Opponent: Pakistan
• Venue: Karachi (Pakistan)
• Highlight: This was a major defeat for India on Pakistani soil, where the two teams often face exciting contests.

2. By 342 runs – against Australia (Nagpur, 2004)

Image Source: X

• Match: Fourth Test, 2004
• Opponent: Australia
• Venue: Nagpur (India)
• Highlight: Before this defeat, this was India's second-largest defeat in Tests and their biggest on home soil.

1. By 408 runs – against South Africa (Guwahati, 2025)

Image Source: X

• Match: 2nd Test, 2025
• Opposition: South Africa
• Venue: Guwahati (India)
• Highlights: This is India's biggest defeat by runs in Test cricket, and also their biggest defeat on home soil.

Also Read: IND vs SA 2nd Test Records: South Africa beat India by 408 runs

---