South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test through a dominant display across the first two sessions on Day 2. Resuming at 247/6, the visitors powered their way to an imposing 428/7 by Lunch on Sunday. At the heart of this charge was Senuran Muthusamy, who crafted a brilliant maiden Test century. His composed batting guided South Africa into a position of strength as he built near-century partnerships with both Kyle Verreyne and Marco Jansen.
Muthusamy’s calm presence at the crease gradually shifted the pressure onto India, particularly stand-in captain Rishabh Pant. Leading a Test side for the first time, Pant often appeared short of ideas as the Proteas batters dug in. When he did attempt something different, the plans failed to materialise in India’s favour, leaving his bowlers visibly frustrated.
The turning point became clear around the 124th over, moments after Jansen showcased his confidence by launching a no-look six off Ravindra Jadeja. Sensing an opportunity to break the partnership quickly, Pant turned to Washington Sundar in search of a breakthrough. The young spinner was promptly briefed by his skipper, who wanted to lure the South African batters into risky shots.
However, Pant’s instructions—delivered in English due to a language gap—had an unintended audience. Muthusamy, stationed at the non-striker’s end, caught every word of the guidance Pant passed to Sundar. The captain advised his bowler to “let him hit” prior to the final ball of the over, hoping to induce a mistimed slog from the settled batter.
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Instead, the moment played straight into Muthusamy’s hands. Having laboured his way to 68 off 164 balls, he seized upon the invitation to break free. Sundar floated up a fuller delivery, and Muthusamy pounced with authority, leaning into the shot and slog-sweeping it powerfully over midwicket.
The strike not only marked his first six of the innings but also symbolised a pivotal shift in momentum—South Africa’s confidence soaring, and India’s control slipping. From that point onward, the Proteas continued to dictate terms, building a formidable first-innings platform and asserting dominance over an Indian side struggling for answers.