Kuldeep Yadav’s Bowling Shines in Guwahati Test vs South Africa
The second Test in Guwahati, which is the newest addition to India’s Test venues, witnessed India exploiting the limited turns on a flat pitch to edge South Africa. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the star bowler, taking three wickets for 48 runs, a performance that significantly buoyed the home side on November 22, 2025. The pitch required watchfulness early, eased once the moisture dried, and later offered a bit of turn. India’s bowling depth allowed them to take wickets when South Africa chased runs above three an over.
Under new captain Rishabh Pant, India attempted to regain form after losing multiple tosses. India have now lost eight of their last nine tosses. South Africa, batting first, posted 247 for six at stumps on Day 1, with crucial contributions by Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, both of whom got starts but failed to reach fifty, something that had also happened in Kolkata.
South Africa’s Mixed Fortunes on the Crease
South Africa faced sporadic successes on an initially helpful pitch. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton built an 82-run opening stand, the highest partnership of the series, before Jasprit Bumrah removed Markram with the last ball before the early tea interval at 11am. Markram took 17 balls to get off the mark and was dropped by KL Rahul at slip on his 18th ball. Kuldeep’s ability to capitalize post-tea proved key, aided by a sharp deflection catch from Pant to dismiss Rickelton.
Players like Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy attempted resistance with a late-day partnership of 45. However, Mohammed Siraj’s aggressive spell with the old ball, followed by the second new ball taken two balls after it became available, resulted in de Zorzi’s downfall just before bad light ended play.
India’s Strategic Moves and Challenges Ahead
India’s strategy of rotating bowlers maintained pressure on South Africa, with Bumrah’s 17-6-38-1 and Kuldeep’s three-for forming the core of the attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled four overs for 21 as India balanced a left-heavy South African lineup with a right-hand bowling option. The new ball’s introduction was timed because sunset comes early in Guwahati, India’s eastern-most Test venue.
All South African batters got starts but none reached fifty, a point that frustrated the visitors. The day ended with South Africa on 247 for six. Play was called off four balls after Siraj dismissed de Zorzi with a ball that shaped in the air then nipped away off the seam.
More updates and comprehensive insights can be found on the official series page.
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