IND vs SA 2025: India vs South Africa Highlights & Review – 2nd Test, Day 1

How did Day 1 of the 2nd Test go between India vs South Africa? — Review, Turning Points & more

The opening day of the second Test in Guwahati saw South Africa finish at 247/6 before bad light forced early stumps. On a surface providing good batting conditions but a constant threat from India’s attack, the visitors built their innings around crucial partnerships, while India kept picking wickets at regular intervals.

South Africa, having elected to bat first, began slowly against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton negotiated the early movement well, stitching a brilliant opening stand. Markram had a reprieve when KL Rahul dropped him on four, but Bumrah got him eventually in the last over before lunch, breaking a 50-run stand.

Post lunch, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs added 84 runs for the third wicket. India, however, didn’t let the partnership run away as Ravindra Jadeja removed Bavuma for 41 after he mistimed a drive, and Kuldeep Yadav continued his impact throughout the day.

Kuldeep, India’s best bowler on the day, struck thrice, removing Rickelton after tea and then dismissing Stubbs (49) and Wiaan Mulder to pull the game back. South Africa, which had two 80-plus stands in the top four, couldn't score runs freely once Kuldeep got going.

Meanwhile, minutes before stumps, Mohammed Siraj, with the second new ball, dismissed Tony de Zorzi first ball with a nip backer, giving India an important wicket, late in the day. Day 2 will witness Senuran Muthusamy (25*) and Kyle Verreynne (1*) begin at South Africa's overnight score.

 Top batting performances of the match — Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs delivered one of South Africa’s most SOLID knocks on Day 1, coming in when India picked two wickets in quick succession. The right-handed batter handled the spells from Bumrah, Siraj, and India’s spinners. He also rotated strike smartly and punished the rare loose delivery. His partnership with Temba Bavuma stabilised the innings. Falling for 49 off 112, Stubbs fell just one run before a well-deserved fifty.

Best bowling spells — Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav had a brilliant day with the ball, breaking South Africa’s middle-order. Introduced in short bursts, he made an immediate impact, removing Rickelton with a leg-break that drifted in and spun away late. Switching ends brought more success as extra bounce accounted for Stubbs on 49, before tempting Mulder into a drive to complete a three-wicket haul. His 3/48 kept India on top at various moments throughout the day.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

Guwahati witnessed history as it hosted its first-ever Test match, becoming India’s 30th Test venue. The day began with BCCI officials presenting gold-plated memorial toss coins and both captains signing a special ACA Stadium portrait, recording a proud moment for the Northeast. 

The Test also saw a rare scheduling tweak, with tea held before lunch to counter the early sunset. Another major milestone came with Rishabh Pant, who became only the second Indian wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to captain the Test team.