India Creates Unwanted Record: Biggest Defeat In Test Cricket History!

In the second Test at Guwahati in November 2025, India endured a humiliating 408-run defeat to South Africa, registering their biggest loss in terms of the margin of runs. South Africa dominated from the start, posting 489 in their first innings before declaring at 260/5 in the second, setting India an almost impossible target of 549 runs.

India’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure for just 201 runs in the first innings and never really showed much resistance. The Proteas’ pace attack, led by Marco Jansen in the first innings, combined with Simon Harmer’s spin wizardry in the second innings, exploited India’s weaknesses.

India's Biggest Defeat in Test Cricket History in Terms of Runs

This defeat now ranks on top of India’s biggest loss in terms of runs, surpassing many unwanted records. This marks the first time in 21 years that India has been asked to chase a 500-plus target on home soil in Test cricket. The previous instance occurred in 2004, when Australia set a 543-run target in Nagpur. India was unable to reach the target and lost by 342 runs, which was previously the record.

The result raises serious concerns about India’s batting and ability to handle high-pressure situations in Test cricket. This home series loss has seriously hampered India's aspirations to make it to the WTC Finals for this cycle, as this was their 4th defeat in 9 matches, and their qualification hopes have taken a serious hit.

The IND vs SA series was dominated by the visitors as they secured a 2-0 clean sweep victory. South Africa was led by one of the best test captains in the world. For India, the result is alarming as it marks just the third instance in history where they have lost consecutive home series. Even more striking, it is the first time in over 60 years that India has suffered defeats in five Tests in a span of seven home Tests.

Top 3 Biggest Defeats for India in Tests (Home)

India’s 408-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati in 2025 now stands as the biggest loss in the country’s Test cricket history. The Proteas dominated throughout the match, scoring 489 in their first innings and declaring at 260/5 in the second, setting India a massive target of 549. The chase ended in a dramatic collapse as the hosts were bowled out for just 140. This match had some of the best test bowlers in the world taking part in the game.

This record-breaking defeat surpassed India’s previous worst home loss of 342 runs to Australia at Nagpur in 2004, when the visitors had set a target of 543. Another crushing defeat was the 333-run defeat against Australia at Pune in 2017, where India failed to chase 441. These three matches now rank as India’s most crushing home defeats, with the recent loss against South Africa showing serious vulnerabilities in the batting lineup.

Top 3 Biggest Defeats for India in Tests (Away)

India’s biggest defeats away from home came back in 2006, during the tour of Pakistan. India suffered a 341-run loss at Karachi, with Pakistan setting a massive target of 607. Despite a century from Yuvraj Singh, India were bowled out for 265. The following year, in 2007, Melbourne, Australia inflicted a 337-run defeat on India, setting a target of 499. The third biggest away loss came in 1996 at Durban, where South Africa defeated India by 328 runs after setting a target of 395.