5 most embarrassing defeats for India in home Tests ft. IND vs SA 2025 in Guwahati

India suffered a humiliating 408-run defeat against South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati on Wednesday, November 26. Having lost the first Test, they also lost the two-match series 0-2.

It was the second white-wash for India in Tests at home in two consecutive years after their 0-3 defeat to New Zealand in 2024. Moreover, it was only the third time that they were whitewashed in a Test series at home, with the first time being in 2000, also against South Africa.

Previously, India had lost only two home Test series between 2000 and 2024, against Australia in 2004 and England in 2012. For the first time in over four decades, they lost two Test series at home across two consecutive years. It was an embarrassing loss for the hosts, who were once almost invincible in Test cricket at home.

On that note, let us take a look at the top five most embarrassing defeats for India in home Tests.

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#5 342-run loss against Australia at Nagpur, 2004

During the third Test of the home series against Australia at Nagpur in 2004, India suffered a huge 342-run defeat. Batting first, Australia posted 398 in the first innings. In reply, the hosts were bowled out for just 185. Mohammad Kaif top-scored with a 151-ball 55.

The visitors declared their second innings at 329/5, setting Rahul Dravid and Co. a huge target of 543 runs. They failed to save the Test and were all out for 200. Virender Sehwag (58) and Ajit Agarkar (44 not out) were the top scorers as the hosts' batters struggled in both innings.

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#4 Innings and 71-run loss against South Africa at Bengaluru, 2000

The first time India had suffered a whitewash against South Africa in a home Test series was in 2000, when the Proteas won 2-0. In the second Test at Bengaluru, the hosts were handed a crushing innings and 71-run defeat.

They were bundled out for 158 batting first, with Anil Kumble (36 not out) being the top-scorer. South Africa posted a solid total of 479 in reply, taking a 321-run lead. In the second essay, the hosts lost all their wickets with just 250 runs on the board, suffering an innings defeat and a whitewash. Mohammad Azharuddin scored a century but got no support from the rest of his teammates.

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#3 25-run loss against New Zealand at Mumbai, 2024

In the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India lost by 25 runs and suffered a whitewash, having lost the first two Tests.

The hosts were set a target of just 147 runs in the final innings. However, it turned out to be an embarrassing loss as they failed to chase the target and were bowled out for 121 in 29.1 overs. It was the first time they had been whitewashed at home since the 0-2 defeat against South Africa in 2000.

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#2 30-run loss against South Africa at Kolkata, 2025

In the first Test of the series here against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India lost by a close margin of 30 runs. The batters had a tough time throughout the game.

In the final innings, they were set a target of 124 runs. However, the hosts failed to chase down a small target and were skittled out for just 93. It was the second-lowest target in Tests that they failed to chase down, and also the second-lowest target successfully defended in India in Tests.

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#1 408-run loss against South Africa at Guwahati, 2025

Among the most embarrassing defeats in Tests for India at home was the massive 408-run loss in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Their batters once again struggled. The Proteas put up a huge total of 489 in the first innings.

In reply, the hosts were bowled out for 201 in the first innings. South Africa did not enforce the follow-on and declared their second innings at 260/5. Chasing a gigantic 549-run target, the hosts were bundled out for 140, failing to save the Test.

They suffered yet another whitewash and their fifth defeat in the last seven home Tests.