Muthusamy’s Maiden Ton and Jansen’s Blitz Put South Africa in Command Against India

Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century and a career-best 93 from Marco Jansen propelled South Africa into a dominant position on day two of the Guwahati Test, leaving India staring at the prospect of another rare home-series defeat. South Africa’s imposing first-innings total of 489 — the highest by any visiting side that has never gone on to lose a Test in India — has put them firmly in control of both the match and the two-Test series.

Resuming at 247 for 6, South Africa made slow but steady progress in the morning as Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne frustrated India on a pitch that had flattened significantly after day one’s moisture evaporated. Their patience-first approach blunted India’s attack for nearly 40 overs, with Muthusamy overturning an lbw decision through UltraEdge and playing just 13 false shots in a superb 205-ball stay. Verreynne eventually fell for 46, charging down the track to Ravindra Jadeja.

At 334 for 7, India still sensed a chance to restrict the visitors under 400. But Jansen’s arrival changed everything. The allrounder blasted 93 off just 91 deliveries, hitting a record seven sixes — the most by any visiting batter in India — and dismantling India's plans with fearless strokeplay. His no-look six off Jadeja set the tone, followed by more punishment against both Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Muthusamy, inspired by the counterattack, shifted gears as well, adding 43 runs off his next 47 deliveries to reach a well-constructed hundred.

Their 97-run stand, the highest of the series, knocked the wind out of India’s bowlers. Even as India attempted a short-ball plan, Jansen continued to dominate, lofting and pulling with ease despite occasional miscues. Kuldeep eventually dismissed him through a chopped-on off a wrong’un, leaving Jansen visibly frustrated at falling short of a maiden hundred.

Kuldeep finished with four wickets, while Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj claimed two each. It was only the fourth time since 2016 that India had been kept on the field for more than 150 overs at home, underscoring the visitors’ control.

India were left with an uncomfortable short session before stumps in fading light but survived 4.1 overs without damage before bad light intervened. With limited overs likely across the remaining days at India’s easternmost venue and a towering South African total already on the board, the hosts face a steep climb to salvage both the match and the series.