India Crumble in Guwahati: South Africa Stay on Top Despite Not Enforcing Follow-On in 2nd Test

South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test against India in Guwahati, even as they opted not to enforce the follow-on after bowling the hosts out for just 201 on Day 3. Despite a valiant lower-order fightback, India remain under immense pressure, trailing by 288 runs at stumps.

Earlier in the day, India began with hopes of steadying the innings but quickly slipped into trouble as the top order crumbled again. At 122 for 7, the visitors were on the verge of conceding a follow-on before Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar offered brief resistance. The duo stitched together a crucial 72-run partnership, momentarily lifting India’s spirits. Sundar was dismissed agonizingly close to a half-century, falling for 48, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s composed 58 was the only other notable contribution at the top.

South Africa’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Jansen’s sharp burst with the new ball and Rabada’s precision in the middle overs left India gasping for stability. The Proteas’ disciplined spell was a continuation of their strong first-innings performance, where Senuran Muthusamy starred with a defiant century — his first in Test cricket — and Jansen backed it up with a blistering 93 off just 91 balls to propel the total to 489.

Also Read: INDvsSA 2nd Test: South Africa Post 489, Put India on Back Foot in Guwahati

Rishabh Pant’s poor shot selection came under sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike, as India’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batter failed to anchor the innings yet again. The decision to not enforce the follow-on came as a mild surprise, with skipper Temba Bavuma perhaps preferring to rest his bowlers and bat India out of the match. South Africa are expected to extend their dominance when play resumes on Day 4, starting their second innings in a commanding position.

Kuldeep Yadav was the bright spot in India’s otherwise disappointing bowling effort, finishing with figures of 4 for 87, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with crucial wickets. Despite the slim positives, India now face an uphill battle to avoid another series defeat, making Day 4 a must-win phase if they are to stay alive in the Freedom Trophy clash.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant’s Tactical Blunder Leaves India Struggling in Guwahati Test