India’s 2–0 defeat to South Africa at home was more than a scoreline. It exposed deeper issues in preparation, selection and approach. From an Eden surface shaped by external influence to a free-flowing South African batting display in Guwahati, the series underlined the widening gap between stability and improvisation. As questions arise over India’s Test structure, this result stands as a clear reminder that the long format rewards clarity, not uncertainty.

Australia defeated India by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed first ODI at Perth, with Mitchell Marsh starring in a composed unbeaten 46.