India endured a difficult third day in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, as the visitors tightened their control over the match. After being bowled out for just 201 in their first innings, India conceded a massive 288-run lead, finding themselves under immense scoreboard pressure.
Marco Jansen, who had already shone with the bat in South Africa’s first innings, produced a devastating bowling spell of 6/48 that ripped through India’s lineup. His early breakthroughs triggered a collapse that India never recovered from, leaving the hosts searching for answers on a wicket that offered little assistance to bowlers but punished any lapse in judgment from the batters.
Tempers, Frustrations, And A Moment With KL Rahul
As South Africa started their second innings, India’s bowlers struggled to create chances, and the frustration was evident. Mohammed Siraj, eager for a breakthrough, let his emotions get the better of him when he hurled a wild throw toward the wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant couldn’t collect it, forcing KL Rahul—stationed in the slips—to intercept the ball.
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Rahul wasn’t impressed and urged Siraj to stay composed, but followed his advice with a smile, easing the moment. Meanwhile, South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton batted confidently, guiding their team to 26/0 by stumps with a formidable overall lead of 314 runs. After losing the opening Test in Kolkata, India’s hopes of levelling the series now look increasingly bleak.
Washington Sundar Defends The Pitch, Credits Jansen’s Accuracy
Despite India’s batting struggles, Washington Sundar, who top-scored with 48, dismissed suggestions that the Guwahati surface was responsible for the collapse. He maintained that the pitch was fair and unlike the typical Indian tracks. As he described it, “It wasn’t a snake pit or whatever you may call it. It’s a very good wicket. It’s a true wicket. Not many days you’ll get to bat on such tracks, especially in India. Honestly, it’s a true wicket. If you spend time there, runs are for the taking. You can’t really contain runs for a very long period of time. I think it was just a good wicket.”
Washington insisted that if anything, the wicket rewarded patience and discipline—qualities India failed to display consistently. When questioned about whether Jansen benefited from uneven bounce, he disagreed, saying the tall all-rounder deserved full credit for bowling with precision. Washington added that on another day, India’s batters might have handled the same deliveries more effectively, reflecting that South Africa’s execution was simply superior.
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