India suffered their first setback early on Day 3 of the 2nd Test in Guwahati as opener KL Rahul was dismissed for 22 off 63 balls, ending a solid but patient opening stand. Rahul, who had shown resilience through the opening hour, was removed by Keshav Maharaj, giving South Africa the breakthrough they were searching for.
The dismissal came in the 22nd over when Maharaj tossed one up around the off-stump. Rahul pressed forward in defence but the ball gripped just enough, taking the outside edge. Aiden Markram at slip reacted sharply, taking a low catch to his right. The Indian dressing room looked disappointed as Rahul walked back after weathering South Africa’s disciplined attack.
At the time of the wicket, India were 65/1, still trailing by over 400 runs after South Africa’s massive first-innings total of 489.
Score at the moment of the wicket:
IND 75/1 (26.5 overs)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal: 45 (82)
– Sai Sudharsan: 7 (17)
– Fall of wicket: KL Rahul c Markram b Maharaj 22 (63)
– Partnership: 65 runs
India will now rely heavily on Jaiswal and the middle order to steady the innings and avoid further damage on a pitch already showing signs of turn for the spinners.
