Overview:
Before the collapse in Guwahati, India encountered a similar batting disaster on a challenging pitch in Kolkata.
India, once nearly unbeatable at home because of spin-friendly conditions and their superior ability, have started to look vulnerable. They now risk a second home series defeat in just over a year.
Batting on turning tracks has declined, influenced by excessive rank turners and the rise of limited-overs habits. Collapses have always happened, but they’ve become far more frequent in recent seasons.
India have experienced several collapses in foreign conditions, but few expected to see a similar outcome on home soil, where conditions are more suited to their strengths. However, despite their growing capabilities, the team is not immune to such setbacks.
On that note, let’s take a look at five occasions in the 21st century when India endured a batting collapse in a home Test.
IND vs SA (2nd Test 2025, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati: 95-1 to
122-7)
India experienced one of their most difficult days in red-ball cricket when they unexpectedly collapsed on a pitch that appeared to be good for batting during a crucial must-win game against South Africa. Replying to a daunting first-innings score of 489 by South Africa, they couldn’t handle the pressure. India were at 95/1 at one stage but lost three wickets in quick succession before the tea break, followed by three more in the second session, leaving them at 122/7. Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant fell to reckless shots.
IND vs ENG Test 2006, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: 33-2 to 100 all out)
After giving away a 121-run lead in the first innings, India were given a 313-run target in the final innings of the third Test against England in the 2006 home series.
India’s chase began poorly, with the score at 21/2. Wasim Jaffer and Rahul Dravid tried to stabilise the innings, but Jaffer fell in the 19th over, and the collapse continued. Shaun Udal then dominated, dismissing Sachin Tendulkar and taking four wickets in 10 overs. India were dismissed for just 100, giving England a historic 212-run victory and a 1-1 series draw.
IND vs SA (1st Test 2025, Eden Gardens, Kolkata: 33-2 to 93 all out)
Before the collapse in Guwahati, India encountered a similar batting disaster on a challenging pitch in Kolkata. In the series opener against South Africa, the hosts dismissed the rivals for just 159 in the first innings.
However, India could only manage a modest 30-run lead, and South Africa gave them a target of 124 runs in the final innings after posting 153 in the second essay. Without the injured Shubman Gill, the team slipped to 33/2. After Dhruv Jurel’s wicket, the collapse accelerated. Although Axar Patel’s aggressive batting pushed the score to 93, South Africa eventually won the contest.
IND vs SA (2nd Test 2008, Motera, Ahmedabad: 30-2 to 76 all out)
India have registered the most dismal performances at home against South Africa, and this one could very well top the list. After a high-scoring draw in the series opener in Chennai, where India piled on 627 with Virender Sehwag’s record-breaking 319, the sub-continent team registered one of their lowest scores on home soil.
India were bowled out for just 76 runs after a decent start at 30/2, with Dale Steyn taking five wickets. Only MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan reached double figures. South Africa responded with 494/7, including a double century from AB de Villiers. Despite a stronger effort in the second innings, India lost by an innings and 90 runs.
IND vs NZ (1st Test 2024; M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: 31-3 to 46 all out)
During the 2024 series opener against New Zealand, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for just 15 runs, resulting in their lowest-ever score at home. Despite captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first in overcast conditions on a challenging pitch, the Indian batters struggled from the start.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers, led by Matt Henry, dismantled India’s top order. A partnership of 21 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, the highest of the innings, took India to 31/3. However, the collapse continued, with wickets falling rapidly, and India were bowled out for just 46 runs in 31.2 overs, recording one of their most humiliating home performances in cricket history.