India endured another difficult outing in the ongoing Test series as an avoidable fielding lapse caused visible frustration on the field. During the first session of the Guwahati Test against South Africa, Jasprit Bumrah—usually one of India’s most reliable performers—drew criticism for refusing to dive to stop a boundary at mid-on.
The incident came at a crucial stage of the innings and left spinner Kuldeep Yadav visibly annoyed. India, already under pressure after their heavy defeat in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, needed sharper execution to regain control.
Despite the spin-friendly surface in Guwahati, their fielding effort lacked intensity, allowing the South African openers to settle comfortably.
Strong Opening Stand by South Africa
Bumrah had begun the morning with his customary discipline and accuracy, troubling Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton with a probing six-over spell. The Indian pacer consistently beat the outside edge and built pressure but received little support in the field.
With the Proteas openers putting together a steady partnership, captain Rishabh Pant introduced Kuldeep Yadav to break the stand. Kuldeep quickly extracted sharp turn, keeping the batters guessing.
However, momentum shifted when a full delivery to Rickelton on the first ball of the 23rd over was driven toward the mid-on region. Bumrah, positioned well to stop it, chose not to dive, allowing the ball to race to the boundary.
Kuldeep’s frustration was evident as South Africa added valuable runs without taking risks. The hosts finished the first session strongly at 84 without loss, capitalizing on India’s inconsistency in the field and their own composed batting.
Bumrah Strikes Before Lunch, Kuldeep Removes Rickelton After Break
Despite the earlier fielding lapse, Bumrah made a strong return just before the Lunch break. Reintroduced for a final over of the session, he delivered a breakthrough India desperately needed.
A well-directed ball jagged inward after taking the inside edge of Aiden Markram’s bat, crashing into the stumps and giving India their first wicket of the innings.
The dismissal provided relief and shifted the energy in India’s favor. Soon after Lunch, Kuldeep Yadav added to the momentum by removing Rickelton. The left-arm wrist-spinner tossed the ball up, drawing the batter forward before it spun sharply and stayed low, taking the outside edge.
Rishabh Pant completed the dismissal with a sharp, low catch—one that required excellent judgment and swift reflexes. These two quick wickets brought South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma to the crease, setting up an intriguing middle session after India’s slow start.
Pant Loses Toss Again as India Make Changes
India entered the Guwahati Test with significant changes to their XI. With Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck spasm, Rishabh Pant stepped in as captain but continued Gill’s poor run with the coin, losing yet another toss. South Africa opted to bat first, immediately putting India on the defensive.
Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Gill in the squad, while Sai Sudharsan returned to the playing XI. Washington Sundar regained his lower-order role, adding balance to India’s combination.
Reddy was brought in primarily to counterbalance the surplus of left-handers in the lineup, even though he may not fully replicate Axar Patel’s bowling utility. Despite the adjustments, India’s early struggles—especially in the field—allowed South Africa to build momentum.
As the match progressed, the Indian unit looked to rebuild control through disciplined bowling and improved coordination on the field.
