India’s second Test against South Africa in Guwahati took shape on a surface that offered little natural help to the bowlers, but Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket spell on Day 1 ensured the hosts remained firmly in the contest. On a pitch that looked flat for long periods and allowed the South African batsmen to settle, the left-armer proved to be India’s most effective weapon, disrupting key partnerships and halting the visitors’ progress at crucial moments.
Speech at a press conference after the stumps of the first day, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted Kuldeep’s importance in conditions that were far from ideal for spin bowling, describing him as the side’s X-factor on the Guwahati surface.
IND vs SA 2nd Test Day 1: Highlights | Scorecard
“He picked up three wickets on that surface on the first day. We know Kuldeep’s strike rate is phenomenal, he’s a keeper and that’s why we’re picking him. I thought everyone bowled well, but the fact that he overspind and with the red ground and a bit more pace at the wicket, he was a bit more effective in the conditions,” said Doeschate.
“The finger spinners will come into it later on. But in terms of the strategy and the way we wanted to go on the first day, it’s a real bonus for him to take three wickets and give us a foothold in the game.”
Kuldeep’s impact was reflected in the quality of batting he removed. The left-arm mite dismissed Proteas opener Ryan Rickelton for 35, snapping a steady start at the top. Later in the day, he was level with a well-set Tristan Stubbs on 49, denying the South African batsman a well-deserved half-century just as he looked set to take the game away. His third wicket was that of the dangerous Wiaan Mulder, who fell for 13 as India tightened their grip during the last over.
South Africa eventually ended the day on 247 for 6, a total that could have been significantly higher had Kuldeep not struck at crucial intervals. While the visitors got a few batsmen, none managed to convert their starts into impressive scores, largely due to India’s ability to strike at regular intervals.
With the match delicately balanced heading into Day 2, Kuldeep’s role will once again be crucial as India look to quickly wrap up the South African innings and build a first-innings advantage on a surface that is expected to remain steady for the batsmen.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 22, 2025
