Senuran Muthusamy Hits Maiden Test Century as South Africa Dominates India in Guwahati

When Senuran Muthusamy stepped up to the crease on Day 2 of the second Test in Guwahati, few expected the South African all-rounder of Indian origin to deliver the defining performance of the series. But by the time he was dismissed for 109 off 206 balls — 10 fours, two sixes, and a quiet defiance that silenced the home crowd — he had not only scored his maiden Test century but also shifted the momentum of the match entirely. The innings came at the Barsapara Stadium, the first-ever Test match held at this venue in Guwahati, and it was the centerpiece of a dominant South Africa national cricket team performance that has left India reeling in the India vs South Africa 2025 Test seriesGuwahati.

History Made in Guwahati

The second Test began on November 21, 2025, just three days after South Africa’s 30-run victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. That match, played from November 14–18, was already historic: it was the first time in 148 years of Test cricket that tea was taken before lunch. The unusual scheduling quirk — caused by a delayed start due to persistent fog — set the tone for a series full of surprises. South Africa won the toss in both Tests and chose to bat, a decision that has paid off spectacularly. In Kolkata, they posted 287 and 247, while India managed just 264 and 220. Simon Harmer took 8 wickets across both innings, earning Player of the Match honors, and Temba Bavuma was the only South African to pass 50 in that low-scoring thriller.

Now, in Guwahati, the script has changed. South Africa’s first innings of 489 in 151.1 overs — the longest by any team in a Test innings this year — was anchored by Muthusamy’s century. He shared key partnerships with Tony de Zorzi (82), Kyle Verreynne (76), and Marco Jansen (67), turning the match into a masterclass in patience and precision. "It wasn’t about hitting boundaries," Muthusamy said after play. "It was about outlasting them. They had the crowd, the pitch, the momentum. We just had to outlast the noise."

India’s Struggles and Leadership Shifts

For India, the series has been a rollercoaster of missed opportunities and injury setbacks. Captain Shubman Gill, who led India in the first Test, was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a neck injury during the Kolkata match. In his absence, Rishabh Pant captained India in his first-ever Test leadership role — a role he embraced with fiery energy, though his team’s batting collapsed under pressure. The decision to promote Dhruv Jurel to number six, fresh off his maiden Test ton against the West Indies, looked promising — until he was bowled by Jansen for 12 on Day 1.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been named captain for the upcoming ODI series, starting November 30 in Ranchi. His appointment came as no surprise after his calm 78 in Kolkata and his leadership in India’s limited-overs setup. But the Test side remains in disarray. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t mince words: "India will have to go through some major workload to get close to winning this Test. The Proteas batted 151 overs — that’s not just skill, that’s mental toughness."

ODI Squad: New Faces, Old Questions

The BCCI announced India’s ODI squad on November 23, 2025, and it was a mix of proven stars and fresh blood. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal open, with Ruturaj Gaikwad making a long-awaited return after a year out due to form and fitness concerns. Virat Kohli remains in the squad, but his role is now more mentor than anchor. The spin department — Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav — is as strong as ever. But the pace attack raises eyebrows: Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh are all capable, yet none have consistently delivered under pressure in overseas conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are absent, both recovering from injuries sustained in the Asia Cup.

One of the most intriguing selections is Nitish Kumar Reddy, the pace-bowling all-rounder from Karnataka. He’s a raw talent — 6’4", capable of 140 kph, and a handy lower-order bat. But he’s played just 12 first-class matches. Is he a future star or a gamble?

What’s at Stake?

South Africa now leads the two-match Test series 1-0 and holds 12 World Test Championship points to India’s 0. A win in Guwahati would seal their qualification for the 2027 WTC Final. For India, it’s about redemption — and survival. The pressure is mounting on the batting lineup, which has averaged just 218 in the two Tests. The absence of Gill and the inconsistent form of Jaiswal (who scored 175 in the West Indies but has managed just 32 and 14 here) have exposed a dangerous middle-order gap.

Meanwhile, Muthusamy’s century carries deeper symbolism. Born in Durban to Tamil parents who migrated from Tamil Nadu, he’s the latest in a long line of Indian-origin cricketers making their mark abroad — from Hashim Amla to Keshav Maharaj. "He’s not just playing for South Africa," said former Indian selector Navjot Singh Sidhu on a live broadcast. "He’s playing for every kid in India who was told they weren’t good enough to make it here. He’s showing them the door is open — just not necessarily on the side you expected."

What’s Next?

Day 3 of the Guwahati Test begins with India at 98 for 3 in their second innings, still 293 runs behind. If they can survive the day, they’ll have a fighting chance on Day 4. But with Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi firing, and Muthusamy ready to bowl his off-spin, the odds are steep.

The ODI series begins November 30 in Ranchi, with India desperate to salvage pride. But with Bumrah and Siraj sidelined, and Kohli nearing 37, questions linger about the team’s long-term direction. Is this a transitional phase — or a crisis?