With India’s regular skipper injured, Rishabh Pant led the side. But after dismal totals of 201 and 140 all out, the loss was complete. (Photo: TDG/File)
The second Test against South Africa in Guwahati ended in disaster for India: a staggering 408‑run defeat, their biggest-ever by runs, completing a 2‑0 series whitewash at home.
With India’s regular skipper injured, Rishabh Pant led the side. But after dismal totals of 201 and 140 all out, the loss was complete. The collapse exposed deeper problems — poor shot selection, inconsistent batting, and lack of fight — even on a pitch offering fair bounce and turn.
A day after the defeat, Pant issued an emotional apology to the fans. “There is no shying away from the fact that we didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks,” he wrote.
Pant didn’t mince words. He addressed the disappointment head‑on. “As a team and as individuals, we always want to perform at the highest level and bring smiles to billions of Indians. Sorry, we couldn’t live up to expectations this time,” he wrote. “Sport teaches you to learn, adapt, and grow — both as a team and as individuals.”
He emphasised the honour of representing India and pledged to bounce back: “We know what this team is capable of and we will work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger and better as a team & individuals.”
Despite the intense pressure and criticism, Pant’s sincerity stood out. For many fans, it offered a sliver of dignity amid a deeply embarrassing result.
The defeat lay not just in the loss, but in how India collapsed. In Guwahati, the South African bowlers exploited uneven bounce and turn to dismantle India’s batting lineup. Top-order failures, aggressive yet rash shots, and inability to build partnerships turned what seemed like a fighting chance into a rout.
This series marked South Africa’s first Test series win in India in 25 years. For India, it was the third successive home series defeat in just over a year. Their 2025 home record now stands at five losses in the last seven Tests — a historic low.
Following the heavy defeats, rumours have started circulating about Pant considering a break or even retirement from leadership roles, citing the emotional toll of the series. While he has not formally announced retirement, the tone of his apology — stressing accountability and letting down the fans — has sparked speculation that Pant may step aside from captaincy duties in the upcoming series.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, wondering if this apology is the beginning of a transition in Indian cricket leadership, especially with the ODI series against South Africa looming.
Pant’s apology and call to reset sets a tone of responsibility and humility. He accepted accountability, avoided blame games, and asked for fan support. For a battered Indian team, that may be the first step toward revival.
The next assignment — a three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 — will test the team’s mental strength further. Long before technique or tactics, red-ball cricket demands resolve, discipline, and humility, and this defeat makes that lesson painfully clear.
