Chasing in the fourth innings has always been the hardest job in Test cricket. Even though T20 cricket has changed batting mindset in recent years, successful chases above 300 are still rare. Pressure of the last innings affects the best players. Sachin Tendulkar’s Test average falls from 53.78 overall to 36.93 in fourth innings. Brian Lara drops from 52.88 to 35.12. That shows how difficult it is to bat last. India's 30-run defeat to South Africa at Eden Gardens adds another chapter in this long history of tough chases. The target-124-didn't appear big at all. But the pitch had variable bounce, and the South African bowlers kept the pressure right from the first ball. Temba Bavuma's fighting fifty gave his team enough runs, while Simon Harmer and the rest of the attack made every run feel heavy. This is India's second failed chase below 150 at home in less than a year, which raises big concerns ahead of the next Test in Guwahati. Also Read | Highest Successful 4th Innings Chase in Test at Eden Gardens Historic Numbers From the Eden Gardens Test Lowest targets India have failed to chase Target Vs Venue Year 120 West Indies Bridgetown 1997 124 South Africa Eden Gardens 2025 147 New Zealand Wankhede 2024 176 Sri Lanka Galle 2015 193 England Lord’s 2025 194 England Edgbaston 2018 Simon Harmer's Strong Record in India Simon Harmer continues to shine in Indian conditions. His figures in India so far: 1/51, 4/61, 4/78, 1/64, 4/30, 4/21 - obvious evidence of his control and precision. South Africa's Lowest Targets Successfully Defended Target Vs Venue Year 117 Australia Sydney 1994 124 India Eden Gardens 2025 146 Pakistan Faisalabad 1997 177 Sri Lanka Kandy 2000 Also Read | RR’s Big Changes: What Their IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Looks Like Lowest Targets Defended in Tests in India Target Match Venue Year 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 Only two visiting teams have defended a target under 150 in India in the last 21 years, and both have now happened in back-to-back seasons. Focus Now Shifts to Guwahati This defeat is not only about a batting failure. It places India in some rare and uncomfortable statistical groups. The series is alive, and India need a strong response in Guwahati with South Africa carrying momentum.