South Africa defeated India 2–0 in the Freedom Trophy Test series (Nov 2025). The second Test in Guwahati ended with SA winning by 408 runs, handing India their biggest-ever Test defeat at home.
Series Overview – Freedom Trophy 2025
- 1st Test (Kolkata, Nov 14–18, 2025)
- SA: 159 & 153
- IND: 189 & 93
- Result: South Africa won by 30 runs.
- Player of the Match: Simon Harmer (8 wickets).
- 2nd Test (Guwahati, Nov 22–26, 2025)
- SA: 489 & 260/5 declared
- IND: 201 & 140
- Result: South Africa won by 408 runs.
- Player of the Match: Marco Jansen (93 runs, 6/48 & 1/23).
- Player of the Series: Simon Harmer (17 wickets).
Key Highlights
- India’s Struggles:
- Batting collapses in both Tests, failing to cross 200 in three of four innings.
- Senior players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Jadeja couldn’t convert starts.
- South Africa’s Dominance:
- Marco Jansen’s all-round brilliance (bat + ball).
- Spin duo Simon Harmer & Keshav Maharaj exploited Indian conditions.
- Strong batting contributions from Senuran Muthusamy and Aiden Markram.
- Historic Defeat:
- India’s 408-run loss in Guwahati is their largest margin of defeat in men’s Tests.
- Second home whitewash in three series.
What’s Next
- India now faces South Africa in a 3-match ODI series, starting Nov 30, 2025 in Ranchi.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the squad, aiming to bounce back after the Test debacle.
In short, South Africa’s clinical bowling and disciplined batting crushed India 2–0, exposing India’s batting frailties and marking a historic low point in home Test cricket.
For highlights, you can watch the official clip of the 2nd Test Day 5