"It hangs in balance" - Former selector reviews engrossing Day 1 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Former selector Saba Karim reckons that neither side has the distinct advantage after Day 1 of the second India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati. He opined that the first session on Day 2 would be extremely crucial in determining which way the game heads.

South Africa won the toss and batted first on Day 1 of the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22. The Proteas went to stumps at 247-6 after 81.5 overs. The visitors were well placed at 156-2 after two sessions, but India fought back in the third to claim four crucial wickets.

During an interaction on ESPNcricinfo, Karim opined that both India and South Africa shared the spoils on the opening day of the contest in Guwahati. He said:

"It hangs in balance. For India, a relief session to some extent because India was able to pick up those four wickets, especially, with the second new ball, getting rid of Tony de Zorzi. He was looking very good. That could instill hope in the Indian side.

"On the other hand, because South Africa were able to muster enough runs on the first day, that should give them lot of confidence. If they can add another 60-70 runs tomorrow morning, they'll be very happy. This Test match will again be all about first innings," the 58-year-old former India keeper went on to add.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred for India on Day 1 of the Guwahati Test, registering figures of 3-48 from 17 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with one wicket each.

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"Expect India to bowl out South Africa below 300" - Saba Karim looks forward to Day 2 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Looking forward to Day 2 of the Guwahati Test, Karim backed the hosts to keep the Proteas to under 300. Asked for his prediction for the opening session on Sunday, the former India cricketer replied:

"I expect India to bowl out South Africa below 300 and may be get to 20-30 for no loss [in the first session]."

At stumps on Day 1 in Guwahati, Senuran Muthusamy was batting on 25 and Kyle Verreynne on one. Team India made two changes to their playing XI for the second Test. Sai Sudharsan replaced injured Shubman Gill, while Nitish Kumar Reddy came in for Axar Patel.