Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Nov 22: India missed a crucial chance in the second Test against South Africa at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium when KL Rahul dropped a straightforward catch off Aiden Markram, leaving bowler Jasprit Bumrah visibly frustrated.
Markram, struggling under Bumrah’s tight spell, edged the ball, and it flew straight to Rahul, but the catch slipped through, denying India an early breakthrough. Bumrah’s reaction, stopping in disbelief and covering his face, highlighted the importance of the missed opportunity in a key stage of the innings.
Earlier, South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first. India, already 1-0 down in the two-match series, need a win to avoid consecutive series losses. The team is also nursing a four-match losing streak at home in Tests against SENA teams, including a historic whitewash by New Zealand last year. This match marks the first-ever Test held in Guwahati, adding historic significance.
Stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, leading in place of the injured Shubman Gill, said, “It’s a proud moment, and I’m thankful to BCCI for this opportunity. The focus is on improving as a team and fighting every moment. The wicket is good for batting, but bowling first is not a bad option either. Shubman is recovering and will come back stronger. We have two changes: Nitish Reddy replaces Gill, and Sai Sudharsan comes in for Axar Patel.”
India will now look to regroup and make the most of this historic Test to level the series.