'Mission annihilation': India on verge of Test series whitewash against South Africa after being set 549 to win 2nd Test

India’s chances of securing a series-leveling victory over South Africa in Guwahati suffered a massive blow after the hosts were bundled out for a modest 201, conceding a massive 288-run first innings lead in the process.

The Proteas had posted a massive 489 on the board after skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat on what was a much better surface at the Barsapara Stadium compared to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. And to their credit, they made the wicket appear a minefield when it was the Rishabh Pant-led Indian team’s turn to bat on the third day.

Proteas on verge of completing another 2-0 sweep in India

And instead of enforcing the follow-on, the South Africans chose to bat again, ending Day 3 on 26 for no loss and batting for more than two sessions on the penultimate day to decimate whatever little hopes India had left of sharing the series honours.

Powered by Tristan Stubbs’ 94 and his crucial partnerships with Tony de Zorzi (49) and Wiaan Mulder (35 not out) worth 101 and 82 respectively, South Africa declared on 260/5 in 78.3 overs. Bavuma signalled his intent to declare soon as Mulder was cleaned up by Ravindra Jadeja, missing out on a century in the process.

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And while openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul had begun on a promising note during India’s first innings with a 65-run opening stand, they failed to bat through the final hour of the fourth day’s play.

Jaiswal perished for 13 after getting caught-behind off left-arm quick Marco Jansen’s bowling while KL Rahul was cleaned up by veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer, who had starred in the 30-run victory in Kolkata with a match haul of 8/51 (4/30 and 4/21).

Also Read | Jadeja blames toss for India’s troubles in Guwahati, sends message to teammates: 'Whatever comes next...'

B Sai Sudharsan was batting on 2 after facing 25 deliveries at the close of play, with nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4 off 22 balls) for company.

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Ashwin and others react to South Africa’s domination of India in Guwahati

Here’s how experts, including former cricketers, as well as fans reacted to India getting outplayed by South Africa for the fourth day in a row in Guwahati:

This is mission annihilation from South Africa. Never in my wildest dreams I thought this will happen to India at home. Full marks to the Proteas. Hats off #INDvSA

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) November 25, 2025

No India head coach had ever overseen two home series defeats… until today. #INDvsSA

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) November 25, 2025

Anil Kumble would’ve been benched for Sunil Joshi had Gautam Gambhir been the Indian coach in the 90s #INDvSA

— Ramachandra.M| ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ.ಎಮ್ (@nanuramu) November 25, 2025

India losing test series to NZ and now SA at home is hard to comprehend and further more puts Bazball into perspective #INDvSA #AUSvENG

— John Wright (@johnwright15) November 25, 2025

I really hope we can bounce back while batting in the 2nd innings, but the indications on the field with respect to body language 💔. #indvsa pic.twitter.com/Iui9dSsQTD

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 25, 2025

Kuldeep Yadav has gone from not being able to get a spot in India's XI due to his batting to being India's No.4... #INDvSA

— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) November 25, 2025