Last Updated: November 18, 2025 11:09 PM
South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in Kolkata. This is India’s fourth consecutive Test defeat at home.
New Zealand had previously completed a 3-0 clean sweep, and now South Africa has also made a strong start. Everyone is saying that India’s home fortress is crumbling.
How Langer silenced everyone
Former Australian coach Justin Langer clearly stated that even thinking like that is foolish.
Speaking to TOI, he said, “Anyone who suggests it’s the end of (home domination) in this country, they’re a more courageous person than me because I would never say that, there’s too much talent in India.”
Langer recalled that when his team defeated India in India in 2004, it was the biggest moment of his career.
He said, “The greatest highlight of my career was beating India in that 2004 series because it always felt impossible to beat India in India.”
Now, is a return to Guwahati confirmed?
Langer believes that because of the IPL, foreign players are no longer afraid of Indian conditions. Still, he doesn’t consider India weak.
He said, “Remember, some of the Indian players just came from Australia (white-ball series, which ended on November 8), where it’s the opposite. And a few days later, they’re playing in really tough conditions in Kolkata. India has some very good players in that team, and they’ll be disappointed and look to fight back in the next Test.”
The second Test begins in Guwahati on November 22. Langer is confident that Team India will give a strong reply.
Everyone criticized the batsmen on the Kolkata pitch, but now there’s a new pitch, a new opportunity.
The Indian team still has the world’s best spinners and fast bowlers. South Africa will now face a real fight.
