South Africa created history by defeating India 2–0 in the recently concluded Test series, producing dominant performances in Kolkata and Guwahati. With this clean sweep, the Proteas became only the third visiting team ever to whitewash India in a home Test series, a feat that instantly elevated the stature of captain Temba Bavuma.

The series win triggered massive praise across the cricketing world, but one of the most significant endorsements came from South African legend AB de Villiers. Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted he was initially unsure when Bavuma was appointed Test captain during a turbulent phase in South African cricket. However, he now believes Bavuma has exceeded every expectation.

De Villiers reflected on Bavuma’s leadership journey, recalling the period when critics questioned whether his soft-spoken manner and smaller physical frame would hold up in high-pressure situations. “Maybe it comes back to that old phrase, ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’,” he said. Drawing a contrast with Graeme Smith’s imposing aura, De Villiers noted that Bavuma has carved out his own brand of leadership through composure, clarity, and tactical maturity.

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De Villiers says Bavuma’s calm leadership mirrors MS Dhoni’s iconic captaincy style

What stood out even more was De Villiers comparing Bavuma to the legendary MS Dhoni, a captain revered worldwide for his calm temperament. “Temba is very, very small. He’s a soft-spoken guy and hardly ever raises his voice,” De Villiers said. “It’s similar for MS Dhoni. He hardly ever spoke loudly, but when he did, people listened. Different captaincy styles can still be very successful.”

Bavuma’s record certainly backs the praise. He has won 11 of the 12 Tests he has captained and remains unbeaten in the role. Earlier this year, he also guided South Africa to their first-ever ICC title, lifting the World Test Championship trophy after defeating Australia at Lord’s.

His composed batting effort in the first Test in India, played under immense pressure on a tricky pitch, further strengthened his growing legacy. With a historic series win and an ICC title already under his belt, Bavuma’s rise as a transformative Test leader shows no signs of slowing down.

India’s Test whitewash against South Africa on home soil has left fans shocked and disappointed. The team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at Eden Gardens and then a crushing 408-run loss in Guwahati. The 2-0 series defeat has turned into one of India’s toughest red-ball setbacks in recent years, leading to heavy criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir from both fans and experts.

The anger among supporters grew even stronger when a video from JSCA Stadium went viral, showing a fan shouting at Gambhir during India’s practice session. The clip spread quickly across social media, adding more pressure on the team and raising questions about Gambhir’s future as head coach.

Not long ago, beating India in a home Test was nearly impossible for most teams. But things have changed, with India losing three home Test series in a short period. After being whitewashed by New Zealand last year, the nightmare repeated as South Africa defeated India 2-0, triggering frustration and disappointment among cricket lovers.

Fan’s Harsh Taunt Trends Online as India Gears Up for ODI Comeback

When Team India arrived in Ranchi for the first ODI, they started practice at the JSCA Stadium. During the session, a furious fan shouted from the stands: “3-0 ghar mein [vs New Zealand in 2024]. [South] Africa ke saamne 1-0 [2-0]. Coaching chhod do. South Africa ke saamne ghar mein nahi jeet sakte, 2027 ka World Cup bhool jao.”

Watch the video here

Crowd is cooking Gambhir.💀 pic.twitter.com/llcpCZLoAQ

— Gems of Cricket (@GemsOfCrickets) November 28, 2025

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As India now prepares for the ODI series, the team hopes to bounce back strongly after the Test disaster. But this team has already been hit with injuries with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have been ruled out. On the bright side, there is the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, which will give a much-needed boost. Under KL Rahul’s leadership, India will look to take revenge for the Test defeats and regain confidence before the upcoming matches.

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan did not hold back from trolling Wasim Jaffer after India were swept 2-0 at home by South Africa. Taking to X, Vaughan tagged the former Indian opener and wrote, "Don’t worry. I know how you are feeling." His post came moments after India’s crushing defeat in the Guwahati Test.

India were already in deep trouble while chasing an improbable 549, ending Day 4 at 27/2. On the final day, the hosts folded quickly, losing their remaining eight wickets for just 113 additional runs. This result gave South Africa their first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years and was a historic red-ball triumph for the visitors.

Simon Harmer was the star of the series, picking up six wickets in the second innings to finish with 17 wickets at an excellent average of 8.94, earning him the award for Player of the Series. With this loss, India crashed to fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, severely denting their chances of reaching the 2027 WTC final.

Vaughan–Jaffer Banter Continues as India Suffer Heaviest Home Defeat

The trolling wasn’t out of the blue; Jaffer had earlier taken a dig at Vaughan when England were thrashed by Australia within two days in Perth. Vaughan hit back during the Guwahati Test, especially after Marco Jansen dismantled India with a six-wicket haul on Day 3.

Don’t worry @WasimJaffer14 .. I know how you are feeling .. #INDvSA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 26, 2025

See Also: 'You Can’t Take Cricket for Granted' – Rishabh Pant reflects on India’s 0-2 series loss to South Africa

India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati stands as their heaviest Test loss by runs at home. South Africa dominated from the start, putting up 489 in the first innings and stretching their control by adding 260 more after choosing not to enforce the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with a 54 off 87 balls, but the rest of India’s batting lineup faltered once again. With this win, Temba Bavuma became only the second South African captain after Hansie Cronje to win a Test series in India.

The Indian cricket team landed in Guwahati on Wednesday, hoping to put behind the disappointment of their loss in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. The second and final Test of the series will be historic, marking the first-ever Test match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Assam. But India’s preparation has been overshadowed by skipper Shubman Gill’s injury setback, which has left the top order looking vulnerable.

Gill injured his neck while batting on Day 2 in Kolkata and was unable to take the field thereafter. He did not bat in India’s second innings either, as the hosts crumbled in a chase of 124, handing South Africa a rare victory on Indian soil. The defeat hurt India’s proud home record and exposed gaps in their batting, now further stretched with Gill’s unavailability.

A video of India’s arrival in Guwahati surfaced on social media with Gill seen without a neck brace but still struggling to move his head comfortably. According to reports from the Indian Express, the 26-year-old has been ruled out of the Guwahati Test beginning Saturday. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant will step up to lead the side, while young left-hander Sai Sudharsan is likely to be drafted into the playing XI.

ALSO SEE: IND vs SA 2025 ODI series: Will Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah be available?

Pressure on Middle Order as India Eye Redemption After Eden Gardens Setback

The BCCI issued a statement confirming that Gill is recovering well but will continue to be monitored by the medical team. “A decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly,” the board had initially stated, but the latest update suggests India will not risk their captain as the injury remains sensitive.

India now face a must-win situation to level the short series. With home pride at stake and several batting concerns to address, Rohit Sharma’s absence and Gill’s injury leave a heavy responsibility on the middle order. The team had an optional training session with Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep and Devdutt Padikkal among those who hit the nets.

Play will begin at 9 a.m. on all five days, with a unique twist in scheduling, tea will be taken before lunch for the first time in Test cricket history. India will hope the change brings a spark as they seek redemption in Guwahati.

The countdown has begun for one of cricket’s greatest rivalries as Australia and England gear up for The Ashes 2025–26, a five-match Test series running from 21 November 2025 to 8 January 2026. This edition brings a rare twist to tradition. For the first time since the 1982–83 series, the Ashes in Australia will not begin at The Gabba. Instead, the curtain-raiser will be played at Perth Stadium, while The Gabba hosts the second Test, a historic pink-ball day-night encounter, the first of its kind in Ashes history for the venue.

The Ashes has spanned more than 140 years, producing 73 memorable series so far. Australia lead the tally with 34 series wins, England have claimed 32, and seven have ended in a draw. Australia have held the urn since 2017, and despite entering as favourites once again, this series carries a sense of intrigue and unpredictability.

Where to Watch the Ashes 2025–26

Here’s a region-wise breakdown of platforms broadcasting and streaming the series:

India

TV: Sony Sports Network

Streaming: Sony LIV
Fans who prefer OTT streaming may also find coverage on Jio Hotstar depending on regional arrangements.

United Kingdom

TV: TNT Sports

Streaming: discovery+
The channel is also accessible via Sky, BT, and Virgin packages.

Australia

TV: Fox Cricket and Channel 9

Streaming: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, 9Now

United States

TV & Streaming: Willow TV

Pakistan

TV: PTV Sports

Streaming: Tamasha / Tapmad

Sub-Saharan Africa

TV: SuperSport

Streaming: SuperSport App

Full Schedule: Ashes 2025–26

Local Time Schedule

IST Schedule

Head-to-Head in Tests

ICC World Test Championship (2025–27) Standings

Australia Squad (Ashes 2025–26)

Steve Smith (Captain), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Scott Boland.

England Squad (Ashes 2025–26)

Ben Stokes (Captain), Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse.

What to Expect This Series

Australia: Favourites but with Questions

Australia come in strong, backed by a destructive pace unit of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland. However, doubts linger over:

• Pat Cummins’ fitness (he is ruled out of the opening Test)
• Their top-order’s consistency in recent home series.

England: Their Best Chance in 14 Years?

England’s last Ashes triumph in Australia came in 2010–11. Yet many believe this is their best shot since then.
Reasons include:

• A more complete pace attack
• Joe Root’s hunger for a first Test century on Australian soil
• The fearless “Bazball” approach

If Jofra Archer stays fit, his pace could tilt the series.

Key Players to Watch

Australia

• Steve Smith: Still their most reliable Test batter.
• Marnus Labuschagne: Crucial at No. 3.
• Starc & Hazlewood: The two who can swing momentum in sessions.

England

• Joe Root: The pillar of England’s batting.
• Jofra Archer: Potential series-defining weapon.
• Harry Brook: Vice-captain with a modern, attacking style.

Tips for a Smooth Ashes Viewing Experience

• Subscribe to your preferred broadcaster before the series begins.
• Use a stable, high-speed internet connection (10 Mbps+ recommended).
• Keep apps updated for the best streaming quality.
• Check time zones, Australian Tests start early for many regions.
• Use a legal VPN only where geo-blocking applies.

The Shubman Gill-led Indian team will head to Guwahati for a high-stakes battle as they face a must-win clash in the second Test against South Africa, starting November 22 at the Barsapara Stadium. India are staring at the possibility of being whitewashed at home for the second straight year, making this fixture one of their most crucial red-ball outings in recent memory.

All attention is on Gill’s fitness after India virtually played with 10 men in the Kolkata Test. The Indian captain suffered a neck injury while attempting a sweep shot, retiring hurt after just two balls. The 26-year-old was in visible agony, stretchered off the field, and later admitted to a hospital, where he stayed overnight. His absence proved costly as India fell to a shocking 30-run defeat, one of their most embarrassing home losses in Test history.

Will Gill Play in Guwahati?

Gill was discharged on Sunday evening, increasing hopes of a return. However, a viral video showing him in pain and wearing a cervical collar has raised fresh concerns. According to a report in The Times of India, Gill is expected to travel with the squad on Wednesday (November 19), or Thursday at the latest, provided the BCCI medical team does not advise against it.

Despite travelling, Gill’s participation remains uncertain. Medical staff are monitoring him closely, and he has been advised rest for now. A final decision will likely come closer to the match. If he is ruled out, Rishabh Pant is set to lead India for the first time in Test cricket. Pant has prior leadership experience, having captained India in five T20Is against South Africa in 2022.

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Abhinav Mukund Calls For Split Captaincy

In the aftermath of India’s defeat, former opener Abhinav Mukund voiced strong opposition to the idea of Gill becoming an all-format captain. Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show, Mukund said that managing all three formats under a single leader is no longer ideal in today’s demanding schedule.

He acknowledged Gill’s potential but stressed that “split captaincy is a smart move.” Mukund highlighted the intense pressure on Gill, especially with the South Africa series being a must-win at home. He believes dividing leadership responsibilities would help maintain balance and performance across formats.

Gill, who already leads India in Tests and ODIs and is tipped to take over T20Is post the 2026 World Cup, has risen rapidly through the leadership ranks. But with fitness concerns and mounting expectations, his biggest challenge may be just beginning.

Indian captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens after suffering a neck injury. The update came ahead of Day 3, confirming that Gill will not continue in the match and will remain under medical observation.

The BCCI issued an official statement: “Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day’s play. He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.”

Bowling coach Morne Morkel said that Gill’s injury was unlikely due to workload and might have come from “a bad night’s sleep.” He also said Gill is very fit and always careful with his training. Earlier visuals from Day 2 showed Gill doing neck-loosening exercises before play, but he was still seen wincing in pain while trying to move his neck.

How the Incident Happened on the Field

The incident took place during the first session on Day 2. On the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill played a clean sweep shot off Simon Harmer over backward square for four. However, right after playing the shot, he clutched his neck in visible discomfort and struggled to stand straight.

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The team physio attended to him immediately, but with his neck stiff and movement restricted, Gill decided to walk off and retire hurt after scoring four off three balls. He did not take the field for the rest of the day, and Rishabh Pant led the side as the stand-in captain.

After the day’s play, Gill was taken out of the stadium on a stretcher with a neck brace and admitted to the hospital. His father, Lakhwinder Gill, along with the team doctor, stayed by his side. Gill has faced neck issues before, having missed matches in 2024 due to similar problems.

Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir offered prayers at the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata before the start of the first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens. The much-awaited Test will begin on November 14, marking the start of a two-match series between India and the newly crowned World Test Champions. Gambhir’s temple visit showed his belief and hope for a successful start as India prepares to face a tough South African side.

India kicked off their home season with a comfortable 2-0 win over the West Indies, but this series against South Africa is going to be much tougher. The Proteas have a strong bowling attack and talented batters, which means India will need to give their best performance to win. Fans are eagerly waiting for the return of Test cricket at Eden Gardens, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate supporters.

A video of Gambhir at the Kalighat Temple has been shared widely on social media. Many fans appreciated the coach’s spiritual side before such an important series. His arrival has created a calmness and concentration for his team as they prepare for their eagerly awaited game in Kolkata.

Gambhir Shares Thoughts on Coaching and Team Communication

In an interview recently published on BCCI.tv, Gambhir discussed his position as a coach and the issues that he deals with as a coach. He mentioned that one of the hardest parts of coaching is telling a player that he won’t be part of the playing XI. Quoted by Cricbuzz, Gambhir said:

“If you tell someone that he's not playing, that's probably the toughest conversation for a coach and a player as well because I know that the player would get upset when he deserves to be part of the playing XI. But if you're honest, if you're straightforward, if you know that what you're saying is from your heart and there is nothing beyond that, I feel that some players do understand. And it's a communication between a player and a coach.”

Watch the video here

Gautam Gambhir visits Kalighat Temple. ❤️pic.twitter.com/6nqVyzy5CN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 11, 2025

See Also: Team India likely to change opening pair in IND vs SA ODI series, Shubman Gill can lose his place

Before the main Test series, the India A vs South Africa A games ended in a 1-1 draw. India A won the first match, but the visitors chased 417 runs in the second to level the series. After the two Tests, both teams will play three ODIs and three T20Is, completing a full cricket tour. With Gambhir leading from the front, Team India will aim to start their home season on a high note at Eden Gardens.

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant has stated that he is completely fit and 'ready to go' in time for the Test series against South Africa in mid-November. Pant, who was out of action for a few months due to a serious fracture to his foot he sustained in July during the Test series between England and India, made the announcement in an interview with the BCCI at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Currently leading the India A team in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A, Pant opened up about his rehabilitation journey from the painful yorker injury he suffered in Manchester. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CoE staff who supported him throughout his recovery.

“I started my rehab gradually. In the early days, there was a lot of physiotherapy and careful monitoring. Once I regained some mobility, I began focusing on building strength, which marked the start of the second phase. Right now, I’m happy to say that I’m fully recovered, and I owe a big thanks to the CoE staff for helping me through it,” Pant said.

Pant Shares Positivity and Focus During Recovery

Known for his resilience after surviving a life-threatening car accident in 2022, Pant shared how staying positive played a big role in his recovery journey. “Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, it’s easy to lose motivation. Your energy levels drop and frustration builds up. But if you can find small things that make you feel good, it’s important to hold onto them, especially when you’re going through that period,” he explained.

See Also: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

Pant’s return to the field, however, didn’t start with fireworks. In the first innings of the unofficial Test, he scored 17 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by South African pacer Okuhle Cele. Still, his comeback is a massive boost for India’s Test side, which drew the England series 2-2 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With Pant’s experience and presence behind the stumps, India will have greater balance ahead of the two-match home series against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final squad announcement is expected soon.

South Africa ended their 18-year wait for a Test win in Pakistan after winning the second game of the two-match Test series at Rawalpindi to end the series level at 1-1. 

Leading the Test series by 1-0 after winning the series opener by 93 runs at Lahore, Pakistan chose to bat first at Rawalpindi. While they scored 333 runs in the first innings, South Africa were once struggling at 235/8, but the lower-order batters' brilliant batting helped the visitors to score 404 runs.

On the fourth day of the Test match, while Pakistan started at 94/4, South Africa bundled them out for only 138 runs, as the visitors needed only 68 runs in the fourth innings to win the game. South Africa lost only two late wickets to secure a comfortable win by eight wickets.

See Also: Older players create history during PAK vs SA 2nd Test: Know about record

South Africa recorded third Test win in Pakistan

It was South Africa's third Test win in Pakistan. After their first Test win at Faisalabad in 1997, the Proteas recorded their second Test victory in Pakistan at Karachi in 2007. Now, they won the third Test in Pakistan after recording one draw and three straight losses since their previous Test win in Karachi. It was the 18-year wait for South Africa to win a Test match in Pakistan.

Last time, South Africa beat Pakistan in Asia in the 2013 Dubai Test, where the Proteas won by an innings and 92 runs. After that Dubai Test victory, the Proteas suffered three straight Test defeats in Pakistan before winning the latest one at Rawalpindi.

South Africa won three out of last four Tests in Asia

After 14 winless Tests in Asia for a decade (four draws and 10 losses), South Africa have recorded three wins in their last four Tests in Asia. In October 2024, South Africa won two Tests in Bangladesh, and in the ongoing month, they first suffered the Lahore Test defeat before winning the Rawalpindi Test to level the series. 

South Africa will play their next Test series against the hosts India in upcoming November, which will also be a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship.