India’s narrowest Test defeats by runs ft. Lord’s 2025

Test match cricket is known for its unpredictable twists, where fortunes can change from session to session. While India has a great reputation at home, they have also had some agonizingly close defeats at the world cricket. The latest was on July 14, 2025, at Lord's, where India lost to England by 22 runs on the tense fifth day. Even with a gallant effort under Ravindra Jadeja, the visitors were short while trying to make 193. This defeat now finds its place among India's closest Test losses by runs, and yet another page is added to their history of near misses.

1. 12 runs against Pakistan—Chennai (1999)

This match has become memorable for all cricket fans as one of the most thrilling contests between India and Pakistan. Chasing 271 on a wicket offering much turn, India had tremendous support from Sachin Tendulkar's 136 - made while battling back pain. He single-handedly pulled India from 20/2 to 254/6, bringing them agonizingly close to a momentous victory. however, a late collapse after his dismissal triggered a dramatic turn of events, leaving India 12 runs short of a win. Chennai fans' ovation for the winning Pakistan team remains a symbol of the game's spirit.

2. 16 runs against Australia—Brisbane (1977)

India had almost achieved a historic victory against Australia at Brisbane in 1977, when it was led by Bishan Singh Bedi. Australia batted first and set India a target of 341, and Sunil Gavaskar responded with a magnificent 113 in the fourth innings, which showed his class and determination. despite his efforts and the team's strong batting performance, India was eventually bowled out for 324, short by 16 runs. This loss is India's equal-second closest Test run loss, testifying to the extreme conditions at the Gabba as well as the robust bowling of Australia.

See Also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's unlucky dismissal vs England in today's ENG vs IND 3rd Test match

3. 16 runs vs. Pakistan—Bengaluru (1987)

In Sunil Gavaskar's last Test match, India endured another agonizing 16-run loss against Pakistan at Bengaluru. Pursuing a target of 221 on a tough pitch, Gavaskar had a defiant innings of 96, demonstrating his expertise on a rank turner. But he lacked support from his teammates, as Pakistan's spin pair of Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed ran through India's second innings, taking all 10 wickets. This game, which is remembered for Gavaskar's courageous performance in his swansong, was a disappointing one for India, as they got bowled out for 204. Man of the Match was given to Gavaskar even though India lost, which is a testament to individual brilliance.

4. 22 runs vs. England—Lord's (2025)

In a nail-biting match at Lord's, India narrowly lost to England on the fifth day of the third Test, falling by 22 runs in pursuit of a target of 193. This marks India's lowest margin of defeat in England and their fourth-lowest margin in Tests overall. Despite a defiant unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, who battled valiantly with the tailenders, India's top order struggled under pressure against the likes of Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. The match concluded with Mohammed Siraj's dismissal to a gentle delivery from Shoaib Bashir, leaving Jadeja stranded and sealing a heartbreaking result. The loss gave England a 2-1 lead in the series and left Indian fans stunned by yet another close finish slipping away.