Team India struggle in the ongoing Test series against South Africa has reached a worrying point. After losing the first Test in Kolkata, India is now on the verge of another heavy defeat in the second and final Test at Guwahati. South Africa has dominated the match from the very first day, and by the end of Day 4, India is left with only hope and prayers.
Chasing a massive 549-run target, India ended Day 4 at 27/2, still trailing by 522 runs. With two days left and a deteriorating pitch, India needs a miracle to save the match, let alone think about winning it.
South Africa Strong Again on Day 4
South Africa began Day 4 at 26/0 and continued to frustrate India bowlers. Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja gave the team early breakthroughs by removing Ryan Rickelton (35) and Aiden Markram (29), but the momentum quickly slipped away.
The star of the day was Tristan Stubbs, who once again stood tall with a brilliant 94-run knock. He showed excellent patience and shot selection, building strong partnerships with Tony de Zorzi (49) and *Wiaan Mulder (35)**.
Just when Stubbs was nearing his maiden Test hundred, Jadeja bowled him for 94. Immediately after that, South Africa declared their innings at 260/5, setting India a near-impossible 549-run target. Jadeja finished with 4 wickets, while Washington Sundar picked 1 wicket.
India’s Chase Starts on a Poor Note
India needed a solid start, but it didn’t happen. In the very beginning:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) was dismissed by Marco Jansen
- KL Rahul (6) fell to Simon Harmer
By stumps, India were 27/2, with Kuldeep Yadav (4)* acting as night-watchman and Sai Sudharsan (2)* struggling to survive. This start has made India’s chances even more difficult, especially considering their poor first-innings show, where they were bowled out for 201.
Also see: Top 5 India Highest Successful Run Chases in Test in India
India Batting and Bowling Both Disappointing
This Test match has exposed India’s weaknesses in both departments:
Bowling Struggles
India had South Africa at 246/6 in the first innings but failed to finish strongly. The Proteas’ lower order added 243 runs more, taking the score to 489.
Batting Struggles
India first innings folded at 201, with no batter showing serious resistance except Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their second innings has started even worse.
If India lose this Test, South Africa will complete a 2-0 clean sweep—a rare and embarrassing result for the Indian team at home. In fact, South Africa also has a chance to beat India by the biggest margin (by runs) ever in India’s Test history. The current record is Australia’s 342-run win in 2024. Looking at the situation, South Africa could surpass that margin easily.
