The second Test in Guwahati turned into a difficult day for India, not because they lacked effort but because their ideas with the ball seemed to run out too early. South Africa built a commanding first-innings total of 489 and much of the momentum swung their way when India couldn’t adjust their approach quickly enough.
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn felt that India bowled with discipline initially but once their main plan stopped working, they didn’t switch tactics. He explained that the bowlers stayed locked into one strategy for too long, which allowed the South African batters to settle. He also pointed out that India’s defensive field placements at times made it easier for incoming batters to pick up simple singles and get comfortable.
The turning point arrived when South Africa’s lower order stepped up in a big way. Senuran Muthusamy, who had recently starred against Pakistan, played with patience and confidence to score his first Test century. Alongside him, Marco Jansen played with freedom and power, attacking the spinners and shifting the momentum sharply in South Africa’s favour.
Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Marco Jansen’s fearless batting, noting how self-assured he looked while taking on both spin and pace. Kumble felt Marco Jansen’s clean hitting changed the tone of the innings, even though the tall all-rounder may have relaxed a bit too much while closing in on his hundred.
By the end of the day, South Africa’s relentless lower order had pushed India onto the back foot. What began as a fairly balanced battle slowly turned into a reminder that in Test cricket, sticking to one plan for too long can quickly tilt the match in the opposition’s favour.
As far as the match is concerned, Indian batting line up collapsed in response and the hosts could manage only 201 runs in first innings and by the end of day 3, South Africa has scored 26 runs without losing any wicket in their second innings.
