India's Bowlers Shine on Day 1 of Guwahati Test Against South Africa

On the first day of the Guwahati Test, India's bowlers excelled, limiting South Africa to 247 for 6. Kuldeep Yadav's impressive 3-wicket haul and Ravindra Jadeja's crucial breakthroughs highlighted India's dominance. Despite some fielding criticisms, India's disciplined bowling attack kept South Africa under pressure. As the match progresses, the stage is set for an exciting Day 2. Read on for detailed insights and key moments from the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 22, 2025, 21:24 IST

India's Dominance on Day 1

In the opening day of the Guwahati Test, Indian bowlers showcased their skills, limiting South Africa to a score of 247 for 6. Kuldeep Yadav was particularly effective, claiming three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also made significant contributions, leaving India in a strong position at the end of the day.

Match Overview

The second and final Test of the series commenced at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, on Saturday, November 22. By the close of play, South Africa had managed to score 247 runs in 81.2 overs, with Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreyene at the crease, scoring 25 and 1 respectively. India's bowlers maintained a disciplined approach throughout the day, with Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja taking crucial wickets and applying pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Performers

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as a standout performer for India, effectively keeping South African batsmen under pressure with his accurate bowling and clever spin. He broke important partnerships by dismissing Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaam Mulder, which allowed India to take control during the middle overs. At stumps, Kuldeep's figures stood at 3 wickets for 48 runs from 17 overs, showcasing his skill and setting a strong tone for the match.

Turning Points

After South Africa reached 82 for 2, the partnership between Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs posed a challenge for India. However, Ravindra Jadeja turned the tide by dismissing Bavuma, who had scored 55 in the previous Test. Jadeja's strategic bowling in the 58th over led to Bavuma's dismissal, breaking an 84-run partnership and shifting momentum back to India.

Siraj's Late Breakthrough

Mohammed Siraj made a crucial impact in the final over of the day, taking a wicket with an away-swinger that was caught by Rishabh Pant. After struggling earlier in his spell, Siraj's persistence paid off as he dismissed Tony de Zorzi, providing India with a vital late wicket just before stumps.

Fielding Concerns

Despite the effective bowling, India's fielding strategy faced criticism. Former captain Anil Kumble pointed out that stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant's field placements were overly defensive for a Test match. Kumble noted that Pant's fielding setup resembled that of an ODI, which may have limited India's effectiveness.

Bowling Discipline

India's pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, displayed impressive discipline on a pitch that provided bounce but limited movement. Bumrah took the important wicket of Aiden Markram, while Siraj's sharp bouncers kept South Africa from forming substantial partnerships. The combination of spin and pace bowling ensured that India maintained control, restricting South Africa to a modest total as they headed into Day 2.