The opening day of the Guwahati Test (India vs South Africa) at Barsapara Stadium ended in a thrilling mix of twists and momentum shifts. South Africa dominated early, but India staged a strong comeback in the final session—powered by the spin wizardry of Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 crucial wickets for just 48 runs.
কুলদীপ ঝলকে থমকাল দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকা! পন্থের নেতৃত্বে ঘুরে দাঁড়াল ভারত
South Africa finished the day at 247/6. Just as they were approaching 250, India’s bowlers tightened the screws and slowed the Proteas’ progress. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 49, while skipper Temba Bavuma contributed 41.
After the Eden Gardens defeat, India made two changes due to injuries: Shubman Gill and Axar Patel were ruled out. Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy came into the side. Most notably, Rishabh Pant made his debut as India’s Test captain.
In the morning session, some early swing troubled Markram and Rickelton as they faced Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Markram survived a dropped catch but was eventually bowled by Bumrah. India’s second breakthrough came just before lunch—Kuldeep dismissed Rickelton, with captain Pant taking a sharp catch behind the stumps.
However, young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy struggled, often losing his line and length, which piled additional pressure on Pant and the bowlers. Meanwhile, Stubbs and Bavuma settled in and built a steady partnership. Ravindra Jadeja was introduced late, but the move paid off—Yashasvi Jaiswal pouched a brilliant diving catch to remove Bavuma.
Kuldeep Yadav struck again to dismiss Stubbs for 49, with KL Rahul safely taking the catch at slip. Siraj then removed Tony de Zorzi (28) with the new ball just before bad light, as the batter edged to Pant.
At stumps, Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten at the crease.