South Africa tighten grip as Senuran Muthusamy’s century shocks India in Guwahati Test

South Africa seized control of the second Test in Guwahati after Senuran Muthusamy recorded his first Test century, guiding the visitors to a formidable total of 489 and placing India under significant pressure as the home side closed Day 2 at 9–0.

Muthusamy, who has spent much of his international career on the fringes of selection, became the unlikely architect of South Africa’s dominance. The batting allrounder delivered a composed 109, combining patience and shot selection to frustrate India’s attack and revive his own Test ambitions.

The 30-year-old had been selected more for his bowling than his runs in recent matches, but in Guwahati he demonstrated the full range of a mature batter. Facing a disciplined spell late on Day 1 from Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, followed by Jasprit Bumrah and India’s spinners the next morning, Muthusamy relied on compact defence and timing rather than aggression. His ability to play late and to leave balls with confidence proved vital as he settled into the innings.

Observers described the approach as measured and unwavering. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri characterised the batting display as “meditative,” referring to Muthusamy’s capacity to wait for scoring opportunities rather than forcing attempts. Muthusamy himself kept his remarks modest, saying in the post-match press conference that he was “just trying to do a job for the team.”

His innings did include moments of luck, particularly when he was initially given out lbw on 48 while attempting a sweep off Ravindra Jadeja. The decision was overturned on review after technology showed the ball made contact with the glove. Muthusamy later admitted to being “emotional and disappointed” as he waited for the replay, and said that he reviewed without knowing whether there was a chance of reprieve.

South Africa’s batting effort was not a one-man performance. Muthusamy formed a key stand with wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne, adding 57 before Verreynne fell for 45. The innings changed rhythm when Marco Jansen arrived. The allrounder struck 93 from the lower order, clearing the boundary repeatedly and shifting the tempo of play. The run rate climbed sharply, and India’s control faded as the pair added 97 for the eighth wicket.

Jansen’s onslaught included multiple sixes against both Jadeja and Washington Sundar. A boundary-filled passage after tea pushed South Africa past 400, and Jansen appeared on course for his first Test century before he chopped a delivery from Kuldeep Yadav onto the stumps. Despite missing the milestone, his contribution ensured South Africa crossed 450 and ended with their highest total on Indian soil since 2010.

India’s bowlers worked hard across long spells but found little assistance from a flat pitch. Kuldeep Yadav took 4–115, with Bumrah and Siraj sharing four wickets between them. The hosts also burned two reviews during tight lbw and caught-behind calls, adding to their frustration.

At stumps, India opened cautiously in deteriorating light. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul survived the short final session, taking the score to 9 without loss before play was stopped early.

Muthusamy’s resurgence carries broader personal significance. After making his Test debut in 2019, he spent four years out of international contention, referring to that period as “the wilderness” of domestic cricket. His return has coincided with a shift in South Africa’s strategy under head coach Shukri Conrad, who places value on multi-skilled cricketers. Muthusamy has also credited work with South African sports scientist Dr Sheryll Calder for improving his hand-eye coordination.

The visitors’ focus now turns to bowling India out on a pitch that is still favourable for batting. Muthusamy expressed confidence in the experience within South Africa’s attack, pointing to the careers of spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, and referring to the group’s ability to “adjust accordingly to the conditions.”

Brief scorecards from the match placed South Africa leading by 480 runs at the close of play, underlining the scale of the challenge facing India.

Context

The result of the Guwahati Test holds major implications for the two-match series. South Africa, already leading 1–0, are now positioned for a rare away victory on Indian soil. The home side has lost only a handful of Test series in India over the past decade and has built an international reputation on dominance in spin-friendly conditions. With the pitch currently offering little turn and South Africa’s batters showing adaptability, India face a test of patience and resilience in their reply.

The contest also highlights a broader trend in Test cricket: the increasing value of allrounders able to contribute in multiple disciplines. South Africa’s lower-order contributions — particularly from Muthusamy and Jansen — proved decisive in stretching the total well beyond what India might have expected after reducing the tourists to 247 for 6.