Rishabh Pant, expected to guide the chase, fell without impact, leaving the middle order directionless and timid. Brief sparks from Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel only masked the deeper issues — a complete lack of application, poor shot selection and an inability to absorb pressure in home conditions that once felt invincible for India.

The mid-match exit of captain Shubman Gill due to a neck injury certainly hurt India, but it cannot excuse the team’s tactical confusion and lack of composure. Leadership void or not, a side aiming to remain a global Test powerhouse cannot crumble while chasing a target barely above 100.

South African off-spinner Simon Harmer ruthlessly exposed India’s shortcomings, taking eight wickets in the match with disciplined, probing spells the Indian batters appeared ill-equipped to handle. His performance, coupled with disciplined seam bowling, delivered South Africa their first Test win in India since 2010 — and India’s first loss at Eden Gardens since 2012.

This defeat should jolt Indian cricket. It forces uncomfortable questions about Gambhir’s stewardship, the team’s approach in pressure situations, and the accountability of senior players. As the series moves forward, India must confront the stark reality that reputation alone cannot win Test matches.

Rishabh Pant, expected to guide the chase, fell without impact, leaving the middle order directionless and timid. Brief sparks from Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel only masked the deeper issues — a complete lack of application, poor shot selection and an inability to absorb pressure in home conditions that once felt invincible for India.

The mid-match exit of captain Shubman Gill due to a neck injury certainly hurt India, but it cannot excuse the team’s tactical confusion and lack of composure. Leadership void or not, a side aiming to remain a global Test powerhouse cannot crumble while chasing a target barely above 100.

South African off-spinner Simon Harmer ruthlessly exposed India’s shortcomings, taking eight wickets in the match with disciplined, probing spells the Indian batters appeared ill-equipped to handle. His performance, coupled with disciplined seam bowling, delivered South Africa their first Test win in India since 2010 — and India’s first loss at Eden Gardens since 2012.

This defeat should jolt Indian cricket. It forces uncomfortable questions about Gambhir’s stewardship, the team’s approach in pressure situations, and the accountability of senior players. As the series moves forward, India must confront the stark reality that reputation alone cannot win Test matches.