Long News Article:
Team India find themselves in deep trouble in the second Test against South Africa being played in Guwahati, as the visitors tightened their grip on the match with a dominant display. South Africa declared their first innings at a powerful total, putting enormous scoreboard pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start as the top-order failed to settle against disciplined South African bowling. Early wickets fell in quick succession, creating tension in the dressing room and among fans. The pitch, which had initially supported batting, began to deteriorate slightly, offering bounce and movement that South African bowlers used to their advantage.
The responsibility now lies heavily on the shoulders of India’s middle order. As the match progresses, saving the Test—or even forcing a draw—appears increasingly difficult unless the Indian batsmen mount a strong, resilient partnership. The team is also missing consistency in their bowling attack, as they struggled to break key partnerships during South Africa’s innings.
In the midst of these on-field challenges, there came a positive update for India. Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has resumed full training after recovering from a spleen injury. His return is a significant boost ahead of India’s upcoming tours and domestic commitments, especially considering the instability in India’s batting order during the current Test series.
Away from the international scene, the domestic circuit is gearing up for the start of the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled to begin on 26 November. With 38 teams participating, the highly competitive T20 tournament is expected to spotlight upcoming talent and provide a platform for young players hoping to break into the national squad.
Overall, while India face a steep challenge in Guwahati, the return of Shreyas Iyer and the energy of the domestic season ahead offer cricket fans reasons to stay optimistic.