Introduction

The 2nd Test between India and South Africa at Guwahati revealed a glaring concern for the reigning ICC World Test Championship holders — a fragile middle order that crumbled under sustained pressure. While Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav stood tall with gritty determination, their resistance only temporarily masked India’s deeper batting woes.

South Africa’s dominant first-innings total of 489 placed India under immense scoreboard pressure. In reply, the hosts folded for 201, conceding a massive 288-run deficit, though the Proteas eventually chose not to enforce the follow-on after consulting within the camp.

India’s Innings: A Story of Collapse and Brief Resistance

Solid Start, Dramatic Slide

India began their innings with promise, courtesy of a 65-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. However, once the first wicket fell, the innings unraveled alarmingly.

Within a span of a few overs, India went from 65/0 to 105/5, losing:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Sai Sudharsan

• Dhruv Jurel

• Rishabh Pant

The procession continued with quick dismissals of:

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Ravindra Jadeja

At 105/7, India looked completely out of the contest — until two unlikely heroes stepped up.

Washington Sundar & Kuldeep Yadav: The Stand That Delayed Disaster

Despite the chaos around them, Washington Sundar (48) and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 133 balls) added 72 crucial runs for the eighth wicket.

What Their Stand Showed

• Grit under pressure
  Both batters displayed solid defensive technique, occupying the crease for 141 balls together.

• Composure against pace and spin
  Sundar attacked selectively, including a six against Simon Harmer.

• Pitch still playable
  Their partnership proved that the pitch had no demons — India’s collapse stemmed from poor shot selection and excellent South African bowling.

Ravi Shastri, on commentary, pointed out the same: the collapse was not about the wicket but India's mental lapses and impatience.

Marco Jansen: The Destroyer-in-Chief

South Africa’s towering pacer Marco Jansen (4/43) delivered a hostile spell that ripped through the heart of India’s middle order.

Key Highlights of Jansen’s Spell

• Dismissed Rishabh Pant, who fell to an unnecessary attacking shot.

• Forced Nitish Kumar Reddy into a rising delivery that ended in a brilliant gully catch.

• Extracted steep bounce to remove Ravindra Jadeja via edge to slip.

Jansen’s aggression, angle, and bounce were too much for India’s middle order, exposing technical and temperament-related shortcomings.

South Africa Declines Follow-On: Strategic Masterstroke?

Despite holding a massive 288-run lead, skipper Temba Bavuma chose not to enforce the follow-on.

Reasons Behind the Decision

• Pitch still good for batting
  As seen from Sundar and Kuldeep’s resistance.

• South Africa’s strong batting depth
  With Senuran Muthusamy (109) and Marco Jansen (93) already shining.

• Avoid overworking bowlers
  Especially after their long, successful first-innings bowling effort.

• Tactical confidence
  Bat big, bat once, and leave India chasing an improbable fourth-innings target.

The decision reflects South Africa’s control over the match situation.

India’s Middle-Order Problem: A Recurring Nightmare

This Test again highlighted India’s most pressing red-ball issue:

1. Fragile Middle Order

Players from No.3 to No.7 failed to produce partnerships or show fight when needed.

2. Poor Shot Selection

Jurel, Pant, Reddy, and Jadeja — all fell to avoidable shots.

3. Over-Reliance on Openers

Once the openers fall, collapses seem inevitable.

4. Lack of Adaptability

South Africa used short balls effectively. India didn’t adjust.

Unless India fixes these vulnerabilities, competing against strong bowling attacks will remain a challenge.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 489 in 151.1 overs
Senuran Muthusamy 109, Marco Jansen 93; Kuldeep Yadav 4-115

India:

• 174/7 at Lunch (Day 3) → eventually 201 all out

• Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Washington Sundar 48, Kuldeep Yadav 19; Marco Jansen 4-43, Simon Harmer 2-61

Key Takeaways

• Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav’s stand showcased grit missing from India’s top and middle order.

• Marco Jansen proved once again why he is among the world’s most threatening Test all-rounders.

• India’s score of 201 was nowhere close to challenging South Africa’s massive 489.

• South Africa’s decision against enforcing follow-on was tactical and well-considered.

• India now need a miracle to save this Test match.

Conclusion

India’s 2nd Test performance at Guwahati exposed major concerns, particularly in the middle order. While Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav fought valiantly, their resistance merely delayed the inevitable. South Africa dominated with the bat, with the ball, and in strategy.

For India to compete at the highest level, especially in home Tests, consistency, better temperament, and partnerships must return as priorities.

FAQs

1. Why didn’t South Africa enforce the follow-on?

Bavuma opted out due to a still-batting-friendly pitch, desire to rest bowlers, and confidence in his batting depth.

2. Who were India’s top performers in the innings?

Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Washington Sundar (48), and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 133) showed fight.

3. What caused India’s collapse?

Sharp South African bowling, poor shot selection, and mental lapses in the middle order.

4. Is the pitch difficult to bat on?

No. Sundar and Kuldeep’s long stand proved the pitch was still good for batting.

5. Can India still save the Test?

A miracle is needed — the match is heavily tilted in South Africa’s favour.