5 times India's best batsmen failed in a big match

Indian batsmen, bar a few, failed in the final ODI giving South Africa a resounding series victoryIndia lost to South Africa by 214 runs in the final ODI at Mumbai which is now the second heaviest defeat incurred by the Indian team in terms of the margin of runs. Not only had the Indian bowlers failed, but also the batsmen could not put up a decent effort while chasing.Delving into the past throws up numerous instances when the hallowed Indian batting order failed and India's batsmen let the team down on the big stage. Here are 5 times India's best batsmen failed in a big match.

#5 ICC World Cup 2nd Semi-final, 2015

MS Dhoni (R) was the lone warrior for India in the 2015 World Cup semi-finals

Even the most die-hard cricket fanatic could be forgiven for remaining optimistic about India's chances even after Australia posted 328 on the board in the second semi-final in the 2015 World Cup. Smith had scored a superb century and big things were expected of the Indian batsmen as it seemed to be a decent pitch to bat on.

Rohit Sharma, Dhawan and Rahane all got starts but failed to convert them into big ones. Virat Kohli earned the ire of the fans for failing to deliver on the big stage. Dhoni waged a lone battle, but India were never really in the game. India were ultimately bowled out for 233 as all the dreams and optimism came crashing down.

#4 Prudential World Cup, 1975

Sunil Gavaskar (L) scored only 36 runs and remained unbeaten as India did not attempt to chase down England's total

The 1975 World Cup got off to a disastrous start for the Indians as they were heavily beaten by England at Lords in the very first match. Batting first, England posted an imposing total of 334 on the board. Though it was a 60-over match, chasing such a total was impossible back in those days.

But the response of the Indian batsmen was so extraordinary that it is remembered to this day. It particularly became infamous for Gavaskar's strange tactics -- he batted 60 overs and remained not out on 36 off 174 balls. India had scored 132 for the loss of 3 wickets after having batted the entire innings.

Gavaskar was severely criticised for his bizarre knock and he later defended himself saying he had gone on the defensive as he felt it was impossible to win the match. Though India did not get bowled out, the Indian batsmen were later subjected to widespread ridicule for their defeatist mentality and willingness to accept failure even without trying.

#3 VB Series, 2nd Final, 2004

India were bundled out for 151 chasing a mammoth total of 359 in the 2004 VB Series

The VB Series finals during India's tour of Australia in 2004 witnessed one of the most disappointing performances by the Indian batsmen. Batting first, Australia posted a daunting 359 on the board riding on the back of a blistering knock of 126 by Mathew Hayden.

India's response was one of meek surrender. Most of the Indian batsmen got starts but failed to kick on. Irfan Pathan top-scored with 30 runs and India were never really in the chase as they got bundled out for 151 off 33.2 overs.

#2 ICC World Cup, 20th match, 2007

Indian batsmen failed to chase down 254 in a must-win game

The 2007 World Cup was one of the worst for the Indian team as they failed to make it beyond the group stage. In their final group stage match against Sri Lanka, India needed to win to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. But the batsmen failed miserably and let the team down.

Chasing a modest total of 254, India were bowled out for 185 as the Indian batsmen failed to negotiate superb spells from Vaas and Muralitharan. The 2007 World Cup witnessed a series of Indian batting failures as India had earlier succumbed to an embarrassing loss to Bangladesh in that tournament. India had been bowled out for 191 on that occasion and the Bangladeshi batsmen had comfortably chased down that total without any hiccups.

#1 Coca-Cola Champions Trophy Final, 2000

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The Champions Trophy Final at Sharjah in October 2000 is remembered as the match where Sanath Jayasuriya tore apart the Indian bowling single-handedly. Jayasuriya scored a career-best 189 and Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 299 off 50 overs.

India's response got off to a poor start as Chaminda Vaas ripped apart the Indian top order and ultimately finished with five wickets. Robin Singh was the only Indian batsman who managed a double digit score in that match. The scorecard made for a sorry reading as India were bundled out for a paltry total of 54. India lost to Sri Lanka by a margin of 245 runs which remains India's biggest ODI loss till date.