• South Africa piled up a mammoth 549-run target for India on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test.

  • India’s repeated batting failures in Kolkata and Guwahati have invited heavy criticism and fan trolling.

Fans troll Team India as South Africa sets up a massive target on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test
Fans troll Team India as South Africa piles up a huge target on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test (Image source: X)

In the ongoing India vs South Africa 2nd Test at Guwahati, which started on November 22, 2025, the South African team piled up an imposing target on Day 4, putting immense pressure on Team India. South Africa, after securing a substantial first innings total of 489, declared their second innings at 260/5, setting India a daunting target of 549 runs to win. The day was marked by remarkable performances from South African batters, particularly Tristan Stubbs, who narrowly missed a century, scoring 94 runs. The Proteas’ strategy to bat long and build a commanding lead was executed to near perfection, leaving India with a monumental task in the remaining sessions of the Test.

South Africa’s commanding lead closing to a historic win against India

South Africa began Day 4 with a healthy lead of 314 runs after dismissing India cheaply for 201 in their first innings. They then extended their advantage with an aggressive second innings, thanks to solid batting displays from their middle order.

Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram contributed respectable scores in the second innings before being dismissed by India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The highlight was Stubbs’ resilient knock of 94, accompanied by Tony de Zorzi’s 49, before Jadeja broke the partnership. South Africa declared at 260/5, setting an imposing target of 549 runs for India. The target is exceptionally high considering the pitch conditions and the historic difficulty of chasing large totals in Asia. India, starting their second innings cautiously, managed 6 runs without loss in 2.6 overs by the close of Day 4’s third session, indicating the uphill battle ahead.

India’s struggles and recent dismal Test performances

India’s performance in this Test and the recent Kolkata Test has been disappointing, with their batting frailties exposed on spinning and challenging pitches. In the Kolkata Test, India collapsed to 93 all out in their second innings and lost by 30 runs, setting a grim tone for the series. The Guwahati Test has continued this trend, with India getting bowled out for 201 in the first innings and now facing the immense task of chasing 549 runs on a wearing pitch.

Former cricket experts have criticized the Indian batters’s lack of patience and application, which are crucial in Test cricket. The team’s recent home record in Test matches has been shaky, with surprising defeats to New Zealand and South Africa, raising questions about the batting unit’s ability to handle pressure against quality bowling attacks. The disastrous batting displays have invited heavy trolling from fans and pundits alike as Team India looks to regroup urgently.

This Test is pivotal for India’s efforts to avoid a series whitewash, while South Africa aim for a historic series win on Indian soil for the first time since 2000-01. With only limited time left and a target that has no precedent in Asian cricket history, India faces an almost insurmountable challenge at Guwahati. The match remains a fascinating contest between South Africa’s disciplined bowling and India’s resilience under pressure.

Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja delivers a peach to get rid of Aiden Markram on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test

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Also READ: Fans erupt as Marco Jansen’s bowling masterclass puts South Africa in driving seat on Day 3 of second Test against India

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .