South Africa clinched a 2-0 series victory over India with a 408-run win in the second Test in Guwahati. This marks India's second clean sweep loss at home. Under captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas ended their long wait for a Test series triumph on Indian soil.
South Africa defeated India by 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati, securing a 2-0 series win. From being a red-ball powerhouse at the turn of the decade to invincible at home for half a century, India has hit a new low. The editorial notes, 'Transitions can be painful and frustrating; coaches and senior players will likely call for patience. But the shoddy performance across both Tests against South Africa offers little solace.'
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah's spell on the first day in Kolkata during the first Test, there were no notable bowling performances. No single knock stood out, and no fielding effort remains memorable. India's domestic cricket produces gifted youngsters tailored for T20, but Test cricketers no longer arrive as finished products. Selectors must groom them with a five-day mindset and technical sturdiness.
Temba Bavuma has been unbeaten as Test captain since 2023, winning 11 games. This victory ends South Africa's long wait for a Test series win in India, marking a historic triumph for the Proteas. India needs to incentivize red-ball cricket and invest in revitalizing the domestic circuit to restore its Test team's greatness.