The second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati has taken a dramatic turn, and a major talking point on Day 3 was Temba Bavuma surprising decision not to enforce the follow-on, even though South Africa held a massive 288-run lead after bowling India out for just 201.
Fans, experts, and commentators were expecting the Proteas to send India back to bat immediately, but Bavuma walked off the field and signaled that his team would bat again. The unusual gesture even made on-field umpires laugh, as Bavuma had to explain his decision through hilarious hand signals near the dressing room.
Why South Africa Did Not Enforce the Follow-On?
Despite dominating the match from the start, South Africa chose a safer and smarter path. Bavuma took this decision for two major reasons:
1. Rest for the Bowlers After a Long Day
South Africa’s bowlers had spent almost the entire day in the field. Marco Jansen bowled long and fiery spells, taking 6 wickets, along with contributions from Siraj, Bumrah, Kuldeep, and others.
The bowlers were visibly tired. If India had batted immediately again, the hosts would have faced a fatigued SA attack – something India could have used to their advantage.
By choosing to bat again, Bavuma ensured:
- His bowlers got proper recovery
- He avoided any risk of India making a comeback with a strong start
- SA could attack with full energy in India’s final innings
2. Avoid Batting in the Fourth Innings
If India had managed to erase the deficit after follow-on, South Africa would have been forced to chase a target in the fourth innings – always the toughest phase in Test cricket. This happened recently in the Kolkata Test, where India failed to chase even 124 runs in the fourth innings. Bavuma remembered that.
By batting again in the third innings:
- SA can set a massive target
- India will bat last on a wearing pitch
- Spin and bounce will become tougher for Indian batters
- The match moves towards a near-certain South African win
When India was bowled out, Bavuma rushed toward the dressing room. But someone shouted, “You must tell the umpire!” Bavuma turned back and used dramatic hand gestures—sitting, pointing, waving—to show:
“We will bat again. Light roller. No follow-on!”
The umpires burst into laughter, and the clip went viral on social media within minutes.
India in Deep Trouble After First Innings Collapse
India’s first innings ended at 201, despite resistance from:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58 runs
- Washington Sundar – 48 runs
But apart from these two, the rest of the lineup failed completely.
Marco Jansen turned into a nightmare for India, taking 6 wickets after scoring 93 runs earlier, making him the biggest game-changer of the Test.
Also see: IND vs SA 2nd Test: Marco Jansen Creates New Record With 7 Sixes
At the end of Day 3, South Africa already held a lead of 314 runs. They are expected to bat for a short session on Day 4 morning and push the lead well beyond 350 or 400, before inviting India to chase on a tricky surface. Given India’s struggles in the series so far, a big fourth-innings chase could be extremely challenging.
Temba Bavuma’s decision was not a mistake—it was a smart strategic move. He played the long game, ensured his bowlers rested, and positioned South Africa for a comfortable victory. With momentum on their side and a huge lead, South Africa now firmly control the Guwahati Test, while India will need something extraordinary to stay alive in the match.
