India’s innings derailed early on Day 3 of the second Test in Guwahati, with the hosts losing three wickets for just seven runs during a tense first session. Chasing South Africa’s imposing first-innings total of 489, India slipped to 102/4 after 35.3 overs, leaving skipper Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja to steady the innings.

India lose momentum after promising start

India began the day with overnight batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul rotating strike well, bringing up a composed opening stand. Jaiswal reached his half-century off 85 balls, striking six boundaries and a six. Rahul contributed 22 before he was dismissed in the slips off Keshav Maharaj.

Sai Sudharsan, batting at No. 3, showed promise with a boundary through the covers but fell soon after for a single-digit score. Jaiswal’s dismissal for 58, taken brilliantly by Marco Jansen at third man off Simon Harmer, triggered India’s slide.

Replacing Shubman Gill at No. 4, Dhruv Jurel struggled to settle in and eventually miscued a short delivery, handing Keshav Maharaj an easy catch. The wicket left India in deeper trouble as Jurel departed for a 10-ball duck.

South Africa maintain control

Earlier, South Africa built a dominant first-innings total of 489, powered by Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century (107) and Marco Jansen’s quickfire 93 off 91 balls. Kuldeep Yadav stood out for India with four wickets.

With India still trailing by 387 runs, the pressure remains high as Pant and Jadeja attempt to rebuild.

South Africa began Day 1 of the second Test in Guwahati with a cautious yet steady approach, putting early pressure on India’s pace attack. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton opened the innings after skipper Temba Bavuma chose to bat first in the decisive match of the Freedom Trophy 2025.

India, led by Rishabh Pant for the first time in Tests, looked sharp with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj steaming in from both ends. However, the morning did not go entirely in India’s favour. A couple of boundaries leaked through byes set an uneasy tone, followed by a moment of visible frustration from Bumrah when KL Rahul dropped a key chance off the pacer — a moment that could have provided the breakthrough India desperately sought.

Pant leads India for the first time

Pant, who became India’s 38th Test captain, expressed pride in leading the side, noting that the team environment focused on improvement and fighting together. With regular captain Shubman Gill unavailable, India included Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Sai Sudharsan also returned to the XI.

Guwahati hosts its maiden Test

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium witnessed a historic moment as Guwahati hosted its first-ever Test match. Both teams lined up for their national anthems before play got underway under clear conditions.

Steady South African start

Despite initial nerves and some tight overs by Bumrah and Siraj, South Africa reached 17/0 in seven overs. Markram and Rickelton concentrated on building a foundation, resisting the early Indian pace burst while benefiting from India’s missed opportunities behind the stumps.

With India searching for early wickets and South Africa focused on setting a strong first-innings total, the opening day promised an intriguing battle ahead.

India faced an unexpected setback on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata as captain Shubman Gill briefly left the field after facing just three balls, creating an early injury concern for the hosts. The incident occurred shortly after India lost their No. 3 batter Washington Sundar, who fell for 29 during the morning session.

India steady after early wicket

India resumed Day 2 at Eden Gardens trailing South Africa by 80 runs and reached 79/2 after 35 overs, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill at the crease. Rahul, who has looked composed throughout the innings, crossed the 4,000 Test-run mark with a boundary off the first over of the day.

Sundar, promoted to No. 3, displayed solid defensive temperament and struck a series of elegant strokes—including a six over long-off—but was dismissed while attempting to block spinner Simon Harmer, edging to Aiden Markram at slip.

Day 1 belonged to Jasprit Bumrah

India entered Day 2 in a commanding position after bowling out South Africa for 159 on the opening day. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance, picking up a five-wicket haul on a surface that drew criticism from South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince, who raised concerns over inconsistent bounce.

Rahul shows resilience, Gill’s brief stay raises concern

Rahul continued his disciplined batting approach, adding crucial runs with cautious strokeplay. His partnership with Sundar earlier in the session helped India maintain stability.

Gill’s entrance was greeted with loud cheers from the Eden Gardens crowd, but his quick departure from the field raised concerns. The extent of the issue was not mentioned in the provided details.