"Kolkata's wicket was different, this was a road" - Indian spinner reacts to tough Day 2 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Team India's left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav described the Guwahati wicket as a 'road' after South Africa's batters dominated Day 2 of the second Test against India. He, however, added that he had no complaints since bowlers must be ready to bowl on all kinds of wickets in Test cricket.

Resuming their first innings at 247-6, South Africa posted 489 on Day 2 of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, November 23. Senuran Muthusamy (109) brought up his maiden Test hundred, while Marco Jansen hammered a quick-fire 93. Keeper-batter Kyle Verreynne also chipped in with 45 runs.

Speaking at a press conference after the end of the second day's play in Guwahati, Kuldeep defended the Indian bowlers and stated that the pitch offered nothing for the spinners or the pacers. He commented:

"Kolkata's wicket was different, this was a road. So it's challenging and that's why it's called Test Cricket. As a bowler, you always want to dominate. But when you get a good wicket, it's also very important how you come back. The way we bowled yesterday, we were in very good control. But, in one session there was a partnership, so we were a little behind in the game. "It was a difficult wicket for the bowlers because I didn't feel that there was that much help in this wicket even for fast bowlers. But, you shouldn't think so much about the wicket. You should go there and play and you learn from it. I have no complaints," the 30-year-old added.

Kuldeep registered figures of 4-115 from 29.1 overs in South Africa's first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two scalps each.

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"If we bat for 5 sessions, we'll be in a good position" - Kuldeep Yadav on India's plans for Day 3 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

India need to beat South Africa to square the series and avoid another Test series loss at home. For that, they first need to put up a big first-innings total on board. That's not all. They need to do it a fast pace, so that they get enough time to try and bowl out the Proteas a second time. Fading light will also add to India's woes. Asked about the team's plans, Kuldeep replied:

"We have batted for just six overs. We have to bat really well tomorrow and then we'll see. Every session is very important, we'll take it session by session. We're not thinking too much about Day 4 or Day 5. You have to bat well and if we bat for 5 sessions, we'll be in a good position to decide what to do next."

At stumps on Day 2 in Guwahati, India were 9-0 in their second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting on seven and KL Rahul on two.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert