Guwahati: India suffered a crushing 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati, marking their heaviest defeat at home by margin of runs. The setback also confirmed a 0–2 series sweep in favour of the visitors, following India’s 30-run loss in the opening Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Chasing a daunting target of 549 runs, India collapsed for just 140 on the final day, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 54.

The defeat surpasses India’s earlier worst home loss by runs — a 342-run setback against Australia in Nagpur in 2004. Other heavy defeats, including the 341-run loss to Pakistan in Karachi in 2006 and a 337-run defeat to Australia in Melbourne in 2007, now fall behind this latest result. The margin in Guwahati highlights the extent of India’s struggles throughout the series.

Despite several reprieves early on Day 5, India could not capitalise on their chances. Sai Sudharsan received a lifeline when Marco Jansen overstepped on the delivery that dismissed him at four, while Kuldeep Yadav survived after Aiden Markram dropped a simple catch. However, neither player managed to convert their opportunities, with Sudharsan battling for 139 balls to make 14 and Kuldeep falling for five.

The series defeat raises serious questions for Gautam Gambhir’s side, which appeared outplayed in all departments across both Tests. South Africa’s dominant performance, highlighted by clinical bowling and superior batting, ensured a memorable sweep on Indian soil - a rare achievement for visiting teams.

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