South Africa capped off a dominant display in Guwahati to seal a 2-0 Test series sweep, their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years. The result is a major milestone for captain Temba Bavuma, who remains unbeaten as Test skipper and now joins Hansie Cronje as the only South African leaders to win a series in India.
The match shifted decisively on Day 2. South Africa were under pressure at 247 for 6 before Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen flipped the script. Muthusamy’s maiden Test century steadied the innings, and Jansen’s counterattacking knock broke India’s rhythm. Their partnership pushed the total to 489, far beyond what India anticipated after early breakthroughs.
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Jansen’s all-round impact & Harmer’s spin
Jansen dominated with the ball, using the red-soil pitch to extract awkward bounce that India repeatedly failed to handle. His six-wicket haul crushed India in the first innings, leaving the hosts with a massive deficit and shifting all the pressure onto them. South Africa chose to bat again rather than enforce the follow-on, a tactical decision aimed at shutting India out of the contest.
The declaration drew some debate, especially with Tristan Stubbs closing in on a hundred, but the intention was clear: eliminate any chance of an Indian resurgence.
On the final day, Simon Harmer took charge. After removing KL Rahul late on Day 4, he returned with precision and discipline, dismantling the rest of the batting lineup with variations in pace and flight.
Once the Muthusamy-Jansen stand flourished, India was effectively behind the game. The top order never looked settled, partnerships broke down quickly, and pressure dictated shot selection. By the last session, the result felt inevitable. India folded for 140, handing South Africa a 408-run victory.
The clean sweep reflects not just dominance across both Tests but also South Africa’s re-emergence as a formidable force in the longer format. Bavuma’s leadership has shaped a team that is disciplined, assured, and comfortable taking tough decisions.
Reality check for India
For a side long considered unbeatable at home, this defeat is a significant reality check. India’s batting faltered, their strategies lacked sharpness, and they were undone by South Africa’s clarity and conviction. The result calls for introspection rather than alarm as a younger group takes on greater responsibility.
