India’s batting line-up crumbled to their lowest-ever Test total at home, managing just 46 runs against New Zealand on the second day of the first Test in Bengaluru on October 17, 2024. New Zealand pacers Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O’Rourke (4/22) ran riot, capitalizing on the overcast conditions. This dismal performance eclipsed India’s previous lowest home total of 75 against West Indies in 1987.
India’s innings saw five players, including captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, dismissed for ducks, while only three players managed to score in double digits. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer with 13. This marks India’s third-lowest total in Test history, behind 36 against Australia (Adelaide, 2020) and 42 against England (Lord’s, 1974).
Reflecting on the collapse, Virat Kohli acknowledged, “We couldn’t adapt to the conditions fast enough.” Matt Henry, meanwhile, celebrated his 100th Test wicket, calling it “a special moment in a memorable match.”
This innings leaves India reeling, trailing New Zealand, with hopes pinned on the bowlers to avoid a series-opening defeat.
