South Africa shattered India’s long-standing aura of invincibility at home, storming to a 2-0 Test series sweep that will be remembered as one of the most commanding visiting performances on Indian soil. After a sharp, clinical three-day win in Kolkata, the Proteas delivered a crushing blow in Guwahati, sealing a historic 408-run victory — the biggest defeat India has ever suffered in a home Test. It also marked South Africa’s first series triumph in India since the 2000-01 tour.

The Guwahati result eclipsed India’s previous worst home loss, a 342-run defeat to Australia in 2004. For the Proteas, it was their most emphatic win in India since 1996, reaffirming their dominance and resilience in subcontinental conditions. The visitors combined disciplined fast bowling with relentless spin to dismantle India twice in five days.

Set an improbable target of 549, India collapsed under sustained pressure. By stumps on Day 4, the hosts were wobbling at 27-2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal edged behind for 13 and KL Rahul was bowled for six. Day 5 offered little respite as wickets tumbled regularly, with B. Sai Sudharsan’s 139-ball 14 symbolising India’s grim battle for survival. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard for a half-century, but his resistance merely delayed the inevitable.

Simon Harmer orchestrated India’s downfall in the second innings, weaving through the batting order with a brilliant 6-for-37. He was complemented by Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Marco Jansen, who chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Earlier, Jansen’s fiery 6-48 in the first innings handed South Africa a massive 314-run lead after India replied to the visitors’ 489 with a modest 201. The commanding all-round effort ensured that the reigning World Test Champions completed the series with authority, leaving India to reckon with a rare and humbling home drubbing.

South Africa shattered India’s long-standing aura of invincibility at home, storming to a 2-0 Test series sweep that will be remembered as one of the most commanding visiting performances on Indian soil. After a sharp, clinical three-day win in Kolkata, the Proteas delivered a crushing blow in Guwahati, sealing a historic 408-run victory — the biggest defeat India has ever suffered in a home Test. It also marked South Africa’s first series triumph in India since the 2000-01 tour.

The Guwahati result eclipsed India’s previous worst home loss, a 342-run defeat to Australia in 2004. For the Proteas, it was their most emphatic win in India since 1996, reaffirming their dominance and resilience in subcontinental conditions. The visitors combined disciplined fast bowling with relentless spin to dismantle India twice in five days.

Set an improbable target of 549, India collapsed under sustained pressure. By stumps on Day 4, the hosts were wobbling at 27-2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal edged behind for 13 and KL Rahul was bowled for six. Day 5 offered little respite as wickets tumbled regularly, with B. Sai Sudharsan’s 139-ball 14 symbolising India’s grim battle for survival. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard for a half-century, but his resistance merely delayed the inevitable.

Simon Harmer orchestrated India’s downfall in the second innings, weaving through the batting order with a brilliant 6-for-37. He was complemented by Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Marco Jansen, who chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Earlier, Jansen’s fiery 6-48 in the first innings handed South Africa a massive 314-run lead after India replied to the visitors’ 489 with a modest 201. The commanding all-round effort ensured that the reigning World Test Champions completed the series with authority, leaving India to reckon with a rare and humbling home drubbing.