New Delhi, Nov. 25 -- India trail by 288 runs after dismal first innings as South Africa close in on historic series victory

India's fortress at home lies in ruins as South Africa tightened their stranglehold on the second Test in Guwahati, leaving Rishabh Pant's side on the brink of a humiliating series whitewash. The hosts were bundled out for a paltry 201 runs in their first innings on Day 3, trailing by a mammoth 288 runs after the Proteas had amassed 489.

The collapse marks yet another chapter in what has become an alarming pattern for Indian cricket. Just weeks after suffering a stunning 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand, the men in blue find themselves staring at the prospect of consecutive home series defeats for the fir...