India, Nov. 25 -- South Africa set an improbable target of 549 against India in Guwahati on Tuesday, before taking two quick wickets at the close of Day 4 to push the hosts to the brink of another humiliation. Between December 2012 and October 2024, India never lost a Test series at home, a run widely regarded as one of the greatest in Test history. But the aura now seems to have faded. After a 0-3 whitewash to New Zealand last November, India stand on the verge of another harsh reality 12 months later, this time against South Africa.

India still have three sessions to bat out for a draw, but Ravindra Jadeja's measured post-match stance suggested the team may already be bracing for the inevitable.

Speaking to the media at the Barsapara ...