Guwahati witnessed cricket history on November 22, 2025, as the Barsapara Cricket Stadium hosted its maiden Test match between India and South Africa. In a gripping Day 1 encounter, South Africa reached 247/6 at stumps with Senuran Muthusamy standing firm on 25*. The all-rounder’s inclusion proved pivotal as the Proteas look to extend their 1-0 series lead.
Table of Contents
- Historic Venue: Guwahati’s Test Debut
- Senuran Muthusamy’s Crucial Return
- Day 1 Highlights: South Africa’s Solid Start
- Kuldeep Yadav’s Three-Wicket Haul
- Key Team Changes
- Series Context and Standings
- Notable Player Performances
- Key Points
- Summary
Historic Venue: Guwahati’s Test Debut
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever Test match. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first, praising the pitch conditions and expressing excitement about being part of this historic moment.
Bavuma emphasized the importance of setting a strong first innings total, noting the wicket’s consistency and suitability for quality batting. The venue’s debut added extra significance to an already crucial match in the two-Test series.
Senuran Muthusamy’s Crucial Return
Senuran Muthusamy replaced Corbin Bosch in South Africa’s playing XI, bringing vital spin bowling options to the Proteas’ lineup. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner made headlines returning to India six years after his Test debut against the same opposition in October 2019.
Muthusamy’s recent form has been exceptional. He scored a match-winning unbeaten 89 against Pakistan and was named Player of the Series. His domestic performances, including career-best figures of 11/174 in the first Test of another series, demonstrate his growing stature as an all-rounder.
The inclusion of Muthusamy highlights South Africa’s strategy to strengthen their spin department on Indian pitches. His batting average of around 46 and bowling average close to 26 in Tests make him a valuable asset for balance.
Day 1 Highlights: South Africa’s Solid Start
South Africa finished Day 1 at 247/6 in 81.5 overs, displaying resilience against India’s bowling attack. Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 25, partnering with Kyle Verreynne (1*) at stumps.
The day saw several key partnerships, including an 84-run stand between captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs, and a crucial 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Tony de Zorzi and Muthusamy.
Tony de Zorzi contributed 28 runs before being dismissed caught behind by Mohammed Siraj. Tristan Stubbs played a valuable knock of 49 before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, narrowly missing his half-century.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Three-Wicket Haul
India’s star performer on Day 1 was wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three crucial wickets to peg back South Africa’s progress. He dismissed Tristan Stubbs (49) and Wiaan Mulder (13) in quick succession during the final session.
Kuldeep’s variations troubled the South African batsmen throughout the day. His ability to extract turn and bounce on the Guwahati pitch proved vital in preventing the visitors from dominating completely.
Apart from Kuldeep, India’s other wicket-takers included Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, each claiming one wicket. Jadeja broke the important Bavuma-Stubbs partnership by dismissing the South African captain for 41.
Key Team Changes
Both teams made significant changes to their lineups. South Africa brought in Senuran Muthusamy for Corbin Bosch, while Wiaan Mulder retained his place but was slated to bat lower in the order. With Kagiso Rabada ruled out, Mulder also served as the second quick bowler.
India made notable adjustments as well. Rishabh Pant captained the side in place of Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to injury. The team introduced Nitish Kumar Reddy and B Sai Sudharsan into the playing XI, aiming to level the series.
Series Context and Standings
South Africa entered the Guwahati Test with an unassailable 1-0 series lead after winning the first Test in Kolkata. The victory at Eden Gardens gave the Proteas crucial momentum and confidence heading into the historic Guwahati encounter.
This Test series forms part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, adding extra significance to every result. South Africa’s strong position in the series puts additional pressure on India to perform and avoid a home series defeat.
Notable Player Performances
Several players made significant contributions on Day 1:
- Tristan Stubbs: Top-scored with 49 runs before falling to Kuldeep Yadav
- Temba Bavuma: Captain’s knock of 41 helped stabilize the innings
- Tony de Zorzi: Scored 28 and added a crucial 45-run partnership
- Senuran Muthusamy: Unbeaten on 25*, showing resilience with the bat
- Kuldeep Yadav: India’s best bowler with 3 wickets
- Wiaan Mulder: Contributed 13 runs in the middle order
Key Points
- Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium hosted its maiden Test match
- South Africa reached 247/6 at stumps on Day 1
- Senuran Muthusamy unbeaten on 25*, Kyle Verreynne on 1*
- Kuldeep Yadav claimed 3 wickets for India
- Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 49 runs
- South Africa leads series 1-0 after Kolkata win
- Muthusamy replaced Corbin Bosch in SA’s XI
- Rishabh Pant captained India in Shubman Gill’s absence
- Match forms part of ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027
Summary
The historic second Test between India and South Africa at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium concluded Day 1 with the Proteas at 247/6. Senuran Muthusamy’s return to the playing XI proved significant as he remained unbeaten on 25 alongside Kyle Verreynne at stumps. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, with captain Temba Bavuma praising the pitch conditions. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 49, while Temba Bavuma contributed 41 and Tony de Zorzi made 28. India’s bowling attack was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three crucial wickets in the final session, dismissing Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder. Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja each took one wicket. The match holds special significance as Guwahati’s debut Test venue and with South Africa holding a 1-0 series lead. Both teams made notable changes, with Muthusamy replacing Corbin Bosch for the visitors, while Rishabh Pant captained India in place of the injured Shubman Gill. The Test forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027, making every result crucial for both teams’ standings.
