India’s hopes of mounting a strong first-innings reply took a heavy blow on Day 3 as South Africa continued to dictate terms in the second Test, reducing the hosts to 174 for 7 at Lunch at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Monday. India still need 116 runs to avoid the follow-on, with their lower order left to fight an uphill battle.
The morning session began brightly for India thanks to a composed opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (22). The duo added 65 runs and looked well in control before Rahul fell to a routine catch at first slip off Keshav Maharaj, shifting the momentum back toward the visitors.
B Sai Sudharsan started solidly at No. 3 and stitched a 30-run partnership with Jaiswal, but South Africa’s spinners soon seized the initiative. Simon Harmer dismissed Jaiswal early in his spell and removed Sudharsan (15) in his very next over, sparking India’s slide.
The middle order offered little resistance. Dhruv Jurel, promoted to No. 4 in Shubman Gill’s absence, departed for an 11-ball duck. Rishabh Pant, after showing early intent, fell to a reckless shot, leaving India under mounting pressure.
South Africa’s tall left-armer Marco Jansen then exploited the surface superbly with a barrage of short balls, triggering a collapse that saw India lose six wickets for just 27 runs — crashing from 95/1 to 122/7.
Just when India appeared on the verge of complete capitulation, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav steadied the innings with a gritty, risk-free partnership. The duo absorbed pressure, rotated strike smartly, and ensured India reached lunch without further damage.
Despite the late resistance, the session belonged firmly to South Africa. Their bowlers, disciplined and relentless, kept India under constant scrutiny and now remain well-positioned to push for a follow-on.
With only three wickets in hand and a long road ahead to erase the deficit, India’s hopes rest heavily on Sundar and Kuldeep to stretch the innings deep into the afternoon
India’s Worst Batting Collapses After Being 90-Plus for 1 in Test Cricket
Margin of Collapse From (1 wicket) To (7 wickets) Opponent Venue Year
102 runs 102/1 114/7 Pakistan Karachi 1982
94 runs 94/1 120/7 Pakistan Lahore 1984
86 runs 130/1 156/7 England Old Trafford 1946
85 runs 95/1 122/7 South Africa Guwahati 2025
30 runs 60/1 90/7 England Lord’s 1967
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