Overview
- Off-spinner Simon Harmer took 6-37 in India’s second innings to finish with 17 wickets and the player-of-the-series award, as India were bowled out for 140 chasing 549.
- Aiden Markram set a Test fielding mark for an outfielder with nine catches in the match, complementing Marco Jansen’s all-round impact after his 6-48 in the first innings.
- The 408-run margin is India’s heaviest Test defeat by runs and sealed South Africa’s first series win in India since 2000, following a previous home whitewash by New Zealand last year.
- Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, leading with Shubman Gill injured, conceded South Africa dominated and said India must be clearer in mindset after repeated batting failures.
- Public and former-player criticism surged, with Anil Kumble calling India’s approach chaotic, Venkatesh Prasad attacking an all‑rounder-heavy strategy, a critical post by Vikas Kohli later deleted, and no staffing changes announced as WTC standings show India slipping while South Africa strengthen their position.