In a disappointing turn of events at Centurion on Day 3, India’s aspirations of conquering their “final frontier” in South Africa were shattered as they succumbed to an innings defeat against a fired-up South African side. Despite Virat Kohli’s valiant 76, India’s feeble batting display led to a shocking loss, lasting only 34.1 overs in the final innings. The experienced Kagiso Rabada and debutant Nandre Burger spearheaded South Africa’s pace attack, sealing the victory with an innings and 32 runs.

Rohit Sharma’s men, who arrived with high hopes, delivered one of their poorest Test performances in recent memory. The SuperSport Park pitch favored the South African pacers, exposing India’s vulnerability. While KL Rahul’s century provided a bright spot, a collective failure from the batting unit, combined with lackluster bowling and fielding, led to their downfall.

Dean Elgar’s sensational 185 and Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 84 powered South Africa to a commanding total of 408 in the first innings. Despite captain Temba Bavuma’s hamstring injury, India’s shocking batting display on Day 3 rendered his services unnecessary in the final innings.

The defeat marked India’s fifth consecutive loss in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), highlighting their struggles away from home. Virat Kohli, battling hard on the field, remains the last India captain to lead the team to a victory in a SENA Test. The loss in Centurion further extended India’s dismal record in South Africa, where they have never won a Test series since their first tour in 1992, managing only four wins out of 24 Tests in the Rainbow Nation.