Chasing a daunting target of 549 in the second Test at Guwahati on Wednesday, India were bowled out for just 140, suffering their heaviest defeat in Test cricket in terms of runs. The Proteas’ comprehensive 408-run victory also secured a 2–0 clean sweep of the two-match series, highlighting their dominance throughout.

This crushing loss marks a worrying trend for India at home. It is only the third time the team has lost a home series in consecutive years and the first time in over six decades that India has lost five of seven home Tests in such a short span.

India’s record defeats by runs are now led by this match, followed by:

  • 408 runs vs South Africa, 2025, Guwahati
  • 342 runs vs Australia, 2004, Nagpur
  • 341 runs vs Pakistan, 2006, Karachi
  • An innings and 336 runs vs West Indies, 1958, Kolkata
  • 333 runs vs Australia, 2017, Pune

The previous heaviest defeat had been a 342-run loss to Australia in Nagpur in 2004. With South Africa delivering a clinical performance, India’s struggles in red-ball cricket, especially at home, are now under scrutiny. Experts and fans alike are analysing the team’s inability to maintain consistency against top-tier opposition, raising questions about what needs to change before the next Test assignments. (With inputs from Agencies)