Rishabh Pant Apologises After 0-2 Loss to South Africa
India suffered a 0-2 defeat in the Test series against South Africa, concluding with a 408-run loss in the second Test at Guwahati. The margin marks India’s biggest defeat by runs in a Test match. The visitors dominated throughout, showcasing strong bowling and fielding which left the Indian batting line exposed.
Pant issues an apology
Stepping in as stand-in captain for the injured regular skipper, Pant acknowledged the team’s failure. In a heartfelt post on social media, he admitted: “We didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks.” He apologised to fans for not meeting expectations and pledged to regroup, refocus, and strive to come back stronger.
What went wrong: batting collapse and lack of fight
India’s batting struggled badly — Pant himself scored just 49 runs across four innings, averaging 12.25. On Day 3 of the Guwahati Test, his attempt at an aggressive shot turned into a dismissal at a critical juncture, drawing widespread criticism over poor shot selection and lack of discipline. Many felt the team never found rhythm or resilience in pressure situations.
Bigger implications: test ambitions hit
The whitewash and heavy margin have deepened concern about India’s readiness in red-ball cricket. Questions are being raised over leadership, shot-making under stress, and the broader team composition as India tries to rebuild. The immediate focus will shift to the upcoming ODI series against South Africa beginning November 30, offering a chance for redemption.
