Monday, May 11
India A's Rising Stars Asia Cup campaign ended in heartbreak after a Super Over loss to Bangladesh A. Despite a thrilling chase led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the team failed to score in the tie-breaker. Captain Jitesh Sharma defended his Super Over selection, citing experience, while Suryavanshi's stellar tournament performance left fans questioning the decision.
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes the Guwahati pitch suits their home approach, despite the surface not dictating Test results. He highlighted Kuldeep Yadav's effectiveness with three wickets, noting the conditions amplified his spin. Ten Doeschate anticipates that the finger spinners will become more prominent as the game progresses.
India fought back strongly on day one of the second Test. South Africa's top order scored runs but ended up setting an unwanted record never seen before in the sport. India's spinners took wickets, shifting the momentum towards the end. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were effective, as the visitors ended the day at 247 for 6.
Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium made its historic Test debut, becoming India's 30th venue. The inaugural match saw a special schedule to accommodate the Northeast's early sunset, with tea preceding lunch. South Africa won the toss and chose to bat in this crucial series decider for India.
India's toss woes continue as Rishabh Pant loses the coin flip to South Africa's Temba Bavuma in Guwahati. South Africa elected to bat first on a pitch expected to favour batters initially. India made two changes, including Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while South Africa bolstered their spin attack.
Rishabh Pant stepped in as India’s captain, replacing Shubman Gill, who was ruled out due to a neck injury sustained in the first Test. India also made two more changes, with B Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy coming in for Gill and Axar Patel.
