In the second Test match, India's batting lineup faced significant challenges once again, but Kuldeep Yadav emerged as a standout performer, showcasing remarkable resilience. Despite the pressure from South Africa's relentless bowling attack, the left-handed batsman was the only Indian player to face over 100 balls, enduring 134 deliveries for a modest total of 19 runs. Although his contribution did not significantly impact the scoreboard, it highlighted his determination.

The Indian top order struggled to convert promising starts into substantial scores. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a fluent innings, scoring 58 runs off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, but his dismissal led to a batting collapse. KL Rahul managed only 22 runs from 63 balls, while Sai Sudharsan added just 15. Dhruv Jurel was dismissed for a duck, and captain Rishabh Pant's brief innings of seven runs included a single six before he was out. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy also fell cheaply, leaving India in a precarious position at 122 for seven.

Washington Sundar provided some much-needed resistance, scoring a composed 48 runs off 92 balls, with two fours and a six. His partnership with Kuldeep Yadav briefly stabilized the innings, but once Sundar was dismissed, the lower order struggled to contribute. Kuldeep's innings was notable for its patience, as he absorbed pressure and frustrated South Africa's bowlers, even though runs were hard to come by.

The South African bowling attack was led by Marco Jansen, who took five wickets for 43 runs in 19 overs. Simon Harmer supported with three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj added one. Their disciplined bowling ensured that India was restricted to 194 runs for nine wickets in 82.1 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remaining unbeaten at the end of the day's play.

While Kuldeep's innings may not alter the match's outcome, his ability to withstand 134 balls when others faltered provided a rare silver lining for the Indian team.

Reactions

Kuldeep Yadav batting patiently while other batters trying to finish match early to attend his wedding pic.twitter.com/lYyfOa0xcR

Kuldeep Yadav today #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/o1lR3NGRv2

Gautam Gambhir to Kuldeep Yadav in next innings pic.twitter.com/weCXbGSImc

Jasprit Bumrah appreciating Kuldeep Yadav’s efforts. pic.twitter.com/o79l4GsNsh

Kuldeep Yadav made a statement yesterday in press conference that Guwahati pitch felt like a road. Today proved it by playing more than 100 balls and most for any Indian batsman. pic.twitter.com/J6rxVdzNPB

I won't be surprised if they slot Kuldeep Yadav as no. 3 on basis of today's innings.