Team India have been pushed into unfamiliar territory. A resilient and disciplined South African side stunned Shubman Gill and his band in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, handing the hosts a crushing defeat in Kolkata.
With the short 2-Test series now on the line, coach Gautam Gambhir’s side heads to Guwahati for the second Test on November 22, aiming to level the series and avoid their second home Test series defeat in a year.
New Zealand, last year, blanked India 3-0 drawing curtains to the latter’s dominance at home for over a decade. In Guwahati, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa – the reigning World Test Champions – would be eager to extend the Indians’ woes with a series sweep and add their name into history books.
While the disappointment of Eden lingers, history offers India hope for over the last 10 years, the Indians have developed a reputation for turning setbacks into springboards. Whether home or away, losing the first Test has often ignited some of their finest fightbacks in red-ball cricket.
From the 2017 comeback in Sri Lanka, to the iconic turnaround in Australia in 2020-21, to the spirited response against England in 2021 and later in 2024 at home, India have repeatedly showcased resilience, tactical nous, and unshakeable belief after early setbacks.
The numbers mirror their mentality: India have bounced back to win or draw several series after losing the opening Test across the last decade – a testament to depth, adaptability, and their ability to stay composed under pressure.
Was Eden Gardens an Outlier for Team India?
India were outplayed at Eden Gardens by a South African team that executed their plans with remarkable precision on a rank-turner. India’s batting faltered against disciplined bowling, specially against the spinners.
The top-order, with captain Gill getting retired hurt in the first innings and missing the second, failed to give their team a positive start, and the middle order lacked partnerships. But one match is rarely a full reflection of India’s capacity in home conditions.
As seen in the last decade, the first Test has often exposed flaws that India have been quick to fix – whether it’s tightening the middle-order approach, selecting the right bowling combination, or adjusting to conditions more efficiently.
Guwahati: A Must-Win Arena
The upcoming Guwahati Test now becomes a series decider as the home side wouldn’t want to earn a dubious distincton of losing back-to-back home Test series against SENA countries.
With the series at stake, India will bank on:
- Improved batting temperament, especially from the top order
- Sharper bowling combinations suited to the surface
- A more aggressive mindset, which has historically powered their turnarounds
Young players such as Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar – seen training intensely ahead of the game – may also play crucial supporting roles as India look to rewrite the script.
What Makes India Dangerous After a Loss
India’s track record after losing the opening Test is defined by:
- Tactical adjustments
- Stronger second-match partnerships
- Spin-bowling dominance, especially at home
- Leadership composure under pressure
- Bench strength rising when needed most
This isn’t the first time the team has walked into a must-win Test with the series on the line. Time and again, they’ve shown the ability to respond with renewed hunger and clarity. However, the challenge with this current Indian side is that it is under transition and a lot of players are trying to understand their new role.
India’s Test series results after losing the 1st Test (last 10+ years)
| Year | Opponent | Venue | 1st Test Result | Final Series Score | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Australia | Away | Lost | 2-0 | Lost |
| 2015 | Sri Lanka | Away | Lost | 2-1 | Won |
| 2017 | Australia | Home | Lost | 2-1 | Won |
| 2018 | South Africa | Away | Lost | 2-1 | Lost |
| 2018 | England | Away | Lost | 4-1 | Lost |
| 2019-20 | New Zealand | Away | Lost | 2-0 | Lost |
| 2020-21 | Australia | Away | Lost | 2-1 | Won |
| 2021 | England | Home | Lost | 3-1 | Won |
| 2023 | South Africa | Away | Lost | 1-1 | Drawn |
| 2024 | England | Home | Lost | 4-1 | Won |
| 2024 | New Zealand | Home | Lost | 3-0 | Lost |
| 2025 | South Africa | Home | Lost | 1-0 | Ongoing |
A Series on the Edge
The Guwahati showdown promises high stakes and high drama. South Africa will smell history – a chance to win a Test series in India. But India, backed by experience and an impressive record of comebacks, will be determined to ensure Eden Gardens was merely a wake-up call, not a turning point.
If history is any indication, India rarely go down without a fight – and November 22 may well script the next chapter in their growing tradition of Test cricket resilience.