India find themselves in a precarious position in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After opting to bat first, South Africa posted a mammoth score of 489 after lower opposition from Senuran Muthuswama (109) and Marc Jansen (93).
South Africa’s massive score has cornered India, who are now in danger of losing their second home Test series in as many years. In the absence of captain Shubman Gill, India face an uphill task to make a comeback in the Test match and level the series.
In their history of Test cricket, India have conceded more than 450 runs in the first innings 37 times. Of these 37 cases, they won three times. The first instance came during the famous Adelaide Test 2003-04 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
IND vs SA 2nd Test Day 2 Highlights
After conceding 556 in the first innings, India came up with a strong reply and posted 523 in the first innings thanks to a massive partnership between Rahul Dravid (233) and VVS Laxman (148). In the second innings, India bowled out Australia for 196 and India made 230 to win by four wickets.
The second instance also came against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010. After opting to bat first, Australia posted 478 while India replied with 495, thanks to a 300-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar (214) and Murali Vijay (139). In the second innings, Australia were bowled out for 223 with India chasing 207 in 45 overs.
The third and final instance came in 2016 against England in Chennai. After posting a massive 477, England finished on 759/7 as Karun Nair slammed a sensational triple century (303*). On Day 5, India eventually bowled out England for 207 to win by an innings and 75 runs.
In the ongoing second Test against South Africa, India will take inspiration from their previous victories and aim to get back into the game and level the series at 1-1. They finished Day 2 9/0, 480 runs behind with Yashasvi Jaiswal (7*) and KL Rahul (2*).
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 23, 2025
