Jasprit Bumrah finally found the breakthrough India badly needed just before tea on Day 1 of the second Test at Guwahati, dismissing Aiden Markram for 38 as South Africa reached 82/1. The wicket came in the 27th over, a brutal finish to a probing spell that had earlier produced a costly moment of frustration for the hosts — KL Rahul dropping a regulation chance at second slip when Markram had been under significant pressure.
Markram had been nudged onto the back foot repeatedly by Bumrah’s disciplined lengths. After being pushed around by a series of accurate short and full deliveries, he went for a drive, miscued an inside edge and the ball cannoned into middle and leg stump at around 140kph. Markram’s reaction told the tale — furious with himself as he trudged off — and Bumrah, who had been denied earlier, finally celebrated the wicket he deserved.
You just can’t keep him out of the game! 🔥#JaspritBumrah gives #TeamIndia their first wicket right at the stroke of tea!
#INDvSA 2nd Test LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/FonCjBDbFl pic.twitter.com/IuSbSmgDYu
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2025
Earlier, the dropped chance off Markram had sent a ripple of disappointment through the Indian camp. It came at a pivotal time when Bumrah was repeatedly beating the Proteas’ outside edge and India were building momentum. The catch escape allowed Markram and Ryan Rickelton — who was batting on 35 — to rebuild. But the reprieve was short-lived; Bumrah’s persistence paid off before the tea break.
WATCH – KL Rahul’s Costly Drop On Aiden Markram Shifts Momentum In Guwahati Test
This Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium carries extra weight: it’s Guwahati’s maiden Test and India enter this match trailing 1–0 in a two-game series. Lose here and India risk a consecutive home series defeat — a scenario that would extend an alarming run of results against SENA nations. The pressure on Rohit Sharma’s side, now captained by Rishabh Pant in Shubman Gill’s absence, is palpable.
Pant, handed the reins after Gill was sidelined with a neck injury, framed his role in upfront, composed terms — focused on giving players freedom while ensuring collective responsibility. With Gill still under medical evaluation, India made two changes: Nitish Reddy replacing Gill and Sai Sudharsan slotting in for Axar Patel, freshening the top and middle order.
WATCH – Mitchell Starc’s Stunning Catch Leaves Zak Crawley Shocked On Day 1
From a tactical perspective, India will reflect on the narrow margins. A dropped catch can be decisive in Tests, and Bumrah’s discipline underlines why he remains one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. The wicket of Markram not only stemmed the flow of runs but also handed India a psychological edge heading into the middle session.
As play resumes, all eyes will be on how South Africa rebuilds without their opener and whether India can seize the initiative. In a short series where every session counts, small moments — a dropped catch, a late wicket — could ultimately determine the outcome at this historic Barsapara venue.
