India’s dominance in Test cricket, especially in home conditions, has once again taken center stage. The one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur showcased the ruthless efficiency that has become synonymous with India’s red-ball cricket.
Led by Shubman Gill and inspired by a dream debut from spinner Manav Suthar, India registered the biggest win by margin in their Test history. The result not only highlighted the team’s strength but also added another chapter to the list of India’s most one-sided victories in the longest format.
3 biggest wins for India in Test cricket (by innings)
1) IND vs AFG, One-Off Test (2026)
India’s latest triumph against Afghanistan in June 2026 now stands as the country’s biggest-ever Test victory by margin. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the hosts piled up a commanding 564/8 declared, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.
Captain Gill led from the front with a composed 126, while KL Rahul marked his return with a century. Sai Sudharsan also played a crucial role with a fluent 81, ensuring India posted a total well beyond Afghanistan’s reach.
The spotlight then shifted to debutant left-arm spinner Suthar. The youngster produced a sensational spell of 6/33 in Afghanistan’s first innings, helping bowl them out for 152. Asked to follow on, the visitors fared even worse in their second attempt, collapsing for just 112.
India completed a historic victory by an innings and 300 runs, surpassing all previous records and setting a new benchmark for Test dominance.
2) IND vs WI, First Test (2018)
Before the Mullanpur triumph, India’s biggest Test win came against West Indies in Rajkot in 2018. It was a match remembered for India’s batting brilliance and relentless bowling attack.
Batting first, India amassed a colossal 649/9 declared. Young opener Prithvi Shaw announced himself on the international stage with a sparkling 134 on debut, while Virat Kohli produced a captain’s knock of 139. Ravindra Jadeja added further misery for the visitors with an unbeaten century lower down the order.
Facing a mountain of runs, West Indies never managed to recover. They were dismissed for 181 in their first innings and 196 in the second. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, particularly in the second innings, as India secured victory by an innings and 272 runs. At the time, it was considered one of the most comprehensive performances by an Indian side in Test cricket and remained the national record for nearly eight years.
3) IND vs AFG, One-Off Test (2018)
Afghanistan’s first-ever Test match in 2018 also features prominently on this list. Making their debut in the format, the visitors faced an experienced Indian side in Bengaluru and quickly learned the challenges of Test cricket at the highest level. India batted only once but made it count, posting 474 runs. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay both scored centuries, laying the foundation for a dominant display.
The match was effectively decided by India’s spin twins, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja. Afghanistan struggled against the turning ball and were bowled out for 109 in their first innings before slipping to 103 in the second.
The contest ended inside two days, with India recording an emphatic victory by an innings and 262 runs, which remained among the country’s biggest Test wins for years.
A new era under Shubman Gill
While records are meant to be celebrated, the significance of the Mullanpur Test extends beyond numbers. It offered a glimpse into India’s future under the leadership of Gill. The young captain impressed both with the bat and in his tactical decisions. His faith in debutant Suthar paid rich dividends, while India’s aggressive approach reflected a clear intent to dominate rather than simply outplay opponents.
With a new generation beginning to take charge, India’s latest record-breaking win suggests that the team’s grip on home Test cricket remains as strong as ever. If the performance in Mullanpur is any indication, Indian cricket’s red-ball future appears to be in safe hands.
