Imagine a cricket match where every run feels hard-earned, where the tension is palpable, and the crowd roars with every wicket. That’s exactly what unfolded in the second India-South Africa Test, where South Africa ended Day 1 at 247-6, thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s three crucial wickets. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a day of brilliant bowling, or did South Africa’s batters let themselves down by not capitalizing on a pitch many believe favored batting? Let’s dive in.
Tristan Stubbs, who fell just one run short of a well-deserved fifty, and captain Temba Bavuma (41) stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership for the third wicket. This came after South Africa chose to bat first, aiming to secure their first Test series win in India in 25 long years. And this is the part most people miss: Despite the World Test champions India clinching the first Test by a mere 30 runs in Kolkata, South Africa showed resilience, proving they’re no pushovers.
The day’s drama peaked in the final session when Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin sent Bavuma packing, and Kuldeep Yadav denied Stubbs his half-century, sending the weekend crowd in Guwahati into a frenzy. Kuldeep (3-48) also dismissed Wiaan Mulder for 13, while Mohammed Siraj’s pace ended Tony de Zorzi’s gritty 28 with the second new ball, further denting South Africa’s progress.
“It was classic attritional Test cricket,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remarked. “Both teams fought hard. We managed to claw our way back into the game just when it seemed to be slipping away.” Ten Doeschate called it an “even day,” but was it really? Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did India’s bowlers outshine South Africa’s batters, or did the visitors fail to seize the initiative on a pitch Stubbs himself described as “better for batting”?
As stumps were drawn due to bad light, with only 81.5 overs bowled, left-hander Senuran Muthusamy (25) and wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne (1) were at the crease. Earlier, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35) had laid a solid foundation with an 82-run opening stand, only to fall to Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep before the first break.
Bavuma and Stubbs, promoted to number three, then took center stage, grinding their way through the innings with calculated boundaries. However, Jadeja’s breakthrough, dismissing the in-form Bavuma, shifted the momentum. Stubbs tried to keep the pressure on, even hitting Jadeja for a six, but Kuldeep’s cunning spin had him caught at slip.
“The pitch is definitely better for batting,” Stubbs admitted. “India’s seamers bowled straight lines, but we (batters) had our chances. None of us converted those starts, and that’s on us.” Bold claim: Could South Africa’s batters have done more, or were India’s bowlers simply too good? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The day’s schedule was unusual, with play starting 30 minutes early and tea preceding lunch at India’s newest Test venue, which drew over 15,000 fans. Bumrah struck just before tea, bowling Markram with an inside edge, while Kuldeep wasted no time after the break, dismissing Rickelton on the third ball.
The openers had begun cautiously, with Markram taking 17 balls to get off the mark—a crunching cover drive for four off Bumrah. Bumrah nearly had his revenge next ball, but KL Rahul dropped a straightforward catch at second slip, leaving the bowler visibly frustrated.
South Africa, fresh from a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, are now chasing history. Their last series win in India dates back to 2000, under Hansie Cronje’s captaincy. Final question for you: Can South Africa turn the tide in this series, or will India’s home advantage prove too strong? Share your thoughts below!