NEW DELHI: Team India's home dominance continued to slide as they failed to chase a modest target of 124 on a turning Eden Gardens pitch, being bowled out for 93 in the first Test against South Africa on Sunday.
Indian batters, once masters against spin, now seem caught in their own trap by demanding rank turners at home. This was India's fourth home loss in their last six Tests, including the 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand on turning tracks last year.
Chasing 124, India lacked the composure and technique that Temba Bavuma had shown earlier in the day, and were bowled out for 93 in 35 overs. The situation was made worse by the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who could not bat due to a neck injury.
Playing spin used to be a strength for Indian batters, but it is now turning into one of their weaknesses. With this humiliating defeat, India hit a historic low, as 124 became the lowest target they have failed to chase at home since 147 against New Zealand last year.
Lowest targets India failed to chase down
120 vs WI Bridgetown 1997
124 vs SA Eden Gardens 2025
147 vs NZ Wankhede 2024
176 vs SL Galle 2015
193 vs Eng Lord's 2025
194 vs Eng Edgbaston 201
South Africa etched their name in the record books by successfully defending their lowest target against India, second only to their defence of 117 against Australia in Sydney in 1994.
Lowest target successfully defended by South Africa
117 vs Aus Sydney 1994
124 vs Ind Eden Gardens 2025
146 vs Pak Faisalabad 1997
177 vs SL Kandy 2000
South Africa's effort also ranks second among the lowest targets successfully defended in Tests in India, after India's defence of 107 against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in 2004.
Lowest target successfully defended in Tests in India
107 Ind vs Aus Wankhede 2004
124 SA vs Ind Eden Gardens 2025
147 NZ vs Ind Wankhede 2024
170 Ind vs SA Ahmedabad 1996
The highest target ever successfully chased at Eden Gardens is 117, achieved by India against South Africa in 2004 - a mark they couldn't surpass on Sunday.
