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IND vs SA: India concedes a humiliating Test series defeat at home

IND vs SA two-match Test series ends in favour of the visitors
IND vs SA two-match Test series ends in favour of the visitors (Credits: X)

Team India’s once-impenetrable home fortress in Test cricket now lies shattered, as South Africa completed a commanding 2-0 series sweep with emphatic victories in both matches. The series exposed significant cracks in India’s red-ball setup, beginning with a dominant three-day win for the Proteas in Kolkata against Shubman Gill’s side. Any hopes of a turnaround were extinguished in Guwahati, where South Africa delivered another comprehensive performance over five days to clinch their first Test series win on Indian soil since the 2000–01 tour. This triumph was more than just a series victory, it was a historic statement. 

IND vs SA: Team India suffers second Test series whitewash at home in 13 months

South Africa became the first team ever to defeat India by a margin exceeding 400 runs in a Test match, surpassing the previous record held by Australia. Such a result highlighted not only South Africa’s superior preparation, discipline, and adaptability but also India’s dramatic dip in form and confidence. The hosts, long known for their dominance in home conditions, struggled across departments, while the visitors showcased remarkable resilience and tactical clarity. For the Proteas, the sweep stands as one of their most memorable achievements in modern Test cricket. For India, it marks a sobering moment, prompting renewed scrutiny of leadership, selection, and long-term direction in the longest format.

World Test Championship winners sealed the IND vs SA two-match series 2-0, following up their narrow 30-run victory in the Kolkata opener with a commanding 408-run triumph in Guwahati. The visitors outplayed India in every department, asserting complete dominance in conditions where the hosts have traditionally been nearly unbeatable. Set an improbable target of 549, India ended Day 4 on a worrying 27-2, having lost both openers in quick succession. Yashasvi Jaiswal edged behind for 13, while KL Rahul was bowled for just six, leaving the middle order under immediate pressure. When play resumed on Day 5, India’s collapse continued. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals, offering little resistance to the relentless South African attack.

Sai Sudharsan’s painstaking 14 off 139 balls reflected India’s desperate bid to survive long enough to salvage a draw, but his defiance lacked support from the other end. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard and compiled a valiant half-century, attempting to restore stability and extend India’s hopes. However, his efforts ultimately proved insufficient as the hosts failed to preserve wickets or momentum. South Africa’s disciplined bowling wrapped up the match and the series, leaving India to confront serious questions about form, temperament, and their approach in Test cricket.

South Africa’s spinners, particularly Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, proved far too good for India’s batting lineup, weaving a relentless web that resulted in the hosts being dismissed for just 140 in their second innings. Harmer delivered a standout performance, claiming 6 wickets for only 37 runs, showcasing exceptional control and precision. He was well supported by Keshav Maharaj, who picked up two wickets, while Muthusamy and Marco Jansen chipped in with one wicket each to complete the demolition.

The damage, however, had begun much earlier. In the first innings, Marco Jansen produced a stunning spell of fast bowling, taking 6 for 48 to dismantle India’s batting order. His effort helped South Africa establish a massive 314-run lead after India were bowled out for 201 in response to the visitors’ imposing total of 489. Jansen’s impact with the ball set the tone for South Africa’s dominance throughout the match.

Author Kuljyot Singh
Kuljyot Singh

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