IND vs SA Test series: India suffer their biggest Test defeat by runs - Top 5 list

In November 2025, South Africa defeated India by 408 runs in Guwahati, marking India's largest Test defeat by runs. This loss surpassed India's previous record of 342 runs against Australia in 2004.

Simon Harmer celebrating a wicket on Day 5. Image @ProteasMenCSA on X

With South Africa thrashing India by 408 runs in the second Test of the India vs South Africa series in Guwahati, the Men in Blue have now suffered their biggest Test defeat by runs. They have gone past their previous record of the 342-run defeat against Australia in 2004. Here are India’s top five biggest Test defeats by runs.

#5 333 runs, vs Australia, Pune, February 2017

India’s most recent heavy defeat by runs before 2025 was against Australia in Pune in 2017, losing by 333 runs.

Australia posted a formidable total of 441 in their second innings, setting India 326 to win. India could only score 113 in the fourth innings.

The defeat exposed vulnerabilities in India’s batting lineup, particularly against Australia’s spin at home. Steve O'Keefe took six wickets in each innings, was the Player of the Match.

#4 337 runs, vs Australia, Melbourne, December 2007

In December 2007, India endured another heavy defeat by runs, falling to Australia by 337 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia set India 499 runs to win, and India could only muster 162 runs in their final innings. This match was part of a period dominated by Australian pace bowlers, with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath orchestrating Australian victories.

The margin highlights the challenge India faced playing in Australian conditions, especially against their potent bowling attack. It remains among India’s top five largest defeat margins in Tests by runs.

Matthew Hayden ‘s 124 in the first inning earned him the Player of the Match award.

#3 341 runs, vs Pakistan, Karachi, January 2006

India suffered a humiliating 341-run defeat to Pakistan in Karachi in January 2006. Chasing a massive target of 607 runs, India was dismissed for a paltry 266 runs in the fourth innings.

This defeat is notable not just for the margin but for its historic significance, as it came in the storied India-Pakistan rivalry, with Pakistan dominating at home.

Kamran Akmal scored 113 in the first inning, batting at No. 8. This was the historic Test match where Irfan Pathan became the first-ever and still the only one to take a first-over hat-trick in Test cricket. Pathan had taken five wickets in the first inning.

Faisal Iqbal scored 139 for Pakistan in the second inning.

#2 342 runs, Australia, Nagpur, October 2004

India’s second-biggest defeat by runs came nearly two decades prior in Nagpur against Australia in October 2004.

Australia set India a daunting target of 543 runs, but India succumbed for 201 runs in the fourth innings, handing Australia a victory by 342 runs. This defeat was a significant low point during the era of Australian dominance, coming right after Australia had lost their iconic captain Steve Waugh.

For his 114 in the first inning and 97 in the second, Damien Martyn won the Player of the Match award.

#1 408 runs, vs South Africa, Guwahati, November 2025

India suffered their heaviest defeat by runs at home and overall in Test cricket history when South Africa crushed them by 408 runs in the second Test at Guwahati in November 2025.

Chasing a daunting target of 549, India were bowled out for a mere 140 runs in the final innings.

Simon Harmer was the star, taking 6 wickets for 37 runs in the second innings and finishing the series with a total of 17 wickets.

The victory sealed a 2-0 series whitewash, marking South Africa’s first Test series win in India after 25 years, while shattering India’s 12-year unbeaten run at home in Tests.

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