India is on the brink of defeat as South Africa set an imposing target of 549 runs on the fourth day of the second Test, almost ensuring their first series win in India in 25 years.
South Africa declared their second innings at 260 for 5, leaving India struggling at 27 for 2 at stumps, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6) dismissed by Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, respectively. Sai Sudharsan (2 not out) and night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav (4 not out) were at the crease, but it will require a monumental effort from the remaining batters to avoid a 0-2 series whitewash.
The only potential reprieve for India is the early fading light, which has limited play to around 80 overs each day. Head coach Gautam Gambhir would prefer a 0-1 series
loss rather than a 0-2 defeat, which would be India’s second series loss at home to a SENA nation in the past year.
Earlier, South Africa aimed to set an unreachable target and spent enough time batting to ensure the pitch deteriorated further. Tristan Stubbs (94 off 180 balls) narrowly missed a century, falling to Ravindra Jadeja (4/62 in 28.3 overs), after which South African captain Temba Bavuma declared the innings.
Stubbs formed key partnerships, adding 101 runs with Tony de Zorzi (49) and 82 with Wiaan Mulder (35 not out). Earlier, Ryan Rickleton (28) and Aiden Markram (35) also contributed with a 50-plus opening stand. Bavuma’s tactics appeared superior to India’s stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, who struggled in his debut leadership role.
Bavuma delayed the declaration to ensure the SG Test ball remained relatively new for the next day’s play. The pitch, although still solid, showed increased turn, evident when Jadeja bowled Aiden Markram with a sharply turning delivery. Bavuma was later trapped by Washington Sundar, with Nitish Reddy taking a catch at leg-slip.
However, both Washington (1/67 in 22 overs) and Jadeja failed to extract significant turn once the ball softened, allowing Stubbs and de Zorzi to score more freely. Pant’s field placements and tactical decisions were questionable, often oscillating between aggressive and defensive setups. He also didn’t provide Kuldeep (0/48 in 12 overs) with enough opportunities to bowl, as he was conceding runs.
Pant sought control through Jadeja and Washington, who bowled over 50 overs but never looked as threatening as Harmer. The Indian team appeared to be waiting for Bavuma to declare, indicating a lack of proactive strategy.
(With agency inputs)
