In the crucial second Test at Guwahati, India aims to rebound against the World Test Champions South Africa. After a first Test loss in Kolkata, the Proteas are eyeing their first series win in India in 25 years. The inaugural Test in Guwahati saw intense competition from both sides on day one.
Despite South Africa posting 247 on the first day, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, remains focused on the bowling attack. He emphasized the importance of a strong bowling performance on day two to dismantle South Africa’s lower order. “Every run is going to be important,” ten Doeschate stated, highlighting the significant advantage of taking Tony De Zorzi’s wicket late in the day.
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as India’s standout bowler, securing three of the six wickets that fell. His ability to provide crucial breakthroughs, including dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, was vital. Ten Doeschate praised Kuldeep’s wicket-taking prowess, noting his exceptional strike rate. He suggested that Kuldeep’s overspin, combined with the red soil and wicket’s pace, made him particularly effective on day one. While acknowledging that finger spinners might become more influential later, ten Doeschate sees Kuldeep’s early success as a significant bonus for India’s grip on the game.
South African batters will be disappointed with their inability to convert solid starts into large scores. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram fell in the thirties, while Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma were dismissed at 49 and 41, respectively. The Indian bowlers maintained discipline, preventing any individual South African batter from reaching a significant milestone. Ten Doeschate pointed out that this disciplined bowling prevented big scores, a key difference India can leverage.
Looking ahead, ten Doeschate stressed the importance of maximizing World Test Championship points at home. With challenging away series on the horizon, securing a high percentage of points domestically is crucial for India’s qualification hopes for the WTC final, which he estimates requires around 60% of points.