Ashwin Warns India of Uphill Task After South Africa’s Gritty Batting

Ashwin felt India faced a heavy workload after South Africa dominated the first two days in Guwahati

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has warned that India will need to put in a major workload to challenge South Africa in the ongoing second Test in Guwahati. South Africa batted for almost two full days after winning the toss at the Barsapara Stadium, putting the home side under pressure.

The visitors capitalised on favourable batting conditions and stretched the innings deep into the second day. By the end of the fifth session, the Rishabh Pant-led side had yet to bowl South Africa out. Ashwin had earlier praised Senuran Muthusamy for his resistance and discipline at the crease.

Ashwin’s assessment On Test

Ashwin posted his thoughts on X as the afternoon session of Day 2 continued without a breakthrough for India. “SA have knocked off 5 sessions from this test now. India will have to do the heavy lifting to push for a win, also keeping in mind that another session will surely be lost due to bad light. Muthusamy’s defensive technique against spin has been the highlight so far,” Ashwin wrote on his X handle.

Muthusamy was eventually dismissed early in the third session, but only after bringing up his maiden international century with 109 off 206 balls. His knock included 10 fours and two sixes, and he stitched crucial stands with Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen to frustrate the Indian bowlers.

South Africa already hold a lead in the match, having won the Kolkata Test by 30 runs to open the series. Simon Harmer claimed match figures of 8 wickets in that opening game, while captain Temba Bavuma was the only batter to reach a half-century.

This second Test carries major importance for India’s World Test Championship hopes in the 2025-27 cycle. A defeat would be India’s second in three home Test series. The Tests will be followed by three ODIs and five T20Is.