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“Can't take cricket for granted”: Pant reflects after India’s historic humiliation vs SA

Kaushik Kashyap

Rishabh Pant after series defeat. [Source - @dailyfunfact_5/x.com]Rishabh Pant after series defeat. [Source - @dailyfunfact_5/x.com]

India slumped to a new low in Guwahati as South Africa completed a historic 2–0 clean sweep in the two-match Test series, handing the hosts a crushing 408-run defeat in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Bowled out for just 140 in the final innings, India’s slide marked their second home series loss in two consecutive home seasons, an unwanted first since 1983–84, leaving stand-in captain Rishabh Pant visibly shattered.

Pant reflects on missed opportunities and lessons from 2-0 loss to South Africa

In the aftermath of the innings collapse and the series defeat, Rishabh Pant did not hide from the magnitude of the moment. The weight of India’s first home series defeat against South Africa in 25 years hung heavy in his words, as he reflected on a team drifting far from its dominant home identity.

Pant, leading in place of the injured Shubman Gill, wore his disappointment openly, acknowledging that South Africa simply played better and that the team have important lessons to take from this outing.

"It is a little disappointing. As a team we need to be better and need to give credit to South Africa for playing better. We need to take our learnings and stick as a team,” Pant said.

The Guwahati defeat is not merely a score-line. It is a symbolic collapse in India’s long-standing fortress reputation in home Tests. South Africa’s clinical cricket, defined by discipline, patience, and purpose, exposed the cracks India failed to address across the two Tests, delivering a serious blow to India’s chances in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Pant’s post-match remarks echoed the sentiment of a dressing room that they cannot take this game for granted as they were stunned by the scale of the collapse and the missed moments where they should have turned the game.

“They dominated the series. You cannot take cricket for granted. We need to be clear with our mindset. There were moments when we were on top of the game but did not capitalize on it. We will get better in the future,” Pant added.

With two home series defeats in two consecutive home seasons, India’s aura of invincibility has been profoundly challenged. What was once a fortress now feels vulnerable, forcing the team to confront its shortcomings, reflect deeply, and rebuild. The path ahead demands resilience, unity and a renewed commitment if India hopes to reclaim its former dominance.