Guwahati, November 25, 2025 — On a dramatic Day 4 of the second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, India’s hopes of chasing down a mammoth 549-run target were dealt a heavy blow. The young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had shown grit in earlier innings, was dismissed cheaply, leaving India reeling as the tourists tightened their grip on the game.

Setting the Stage: A Mountainous Target

South Africa, in their second innings, declared at 269 for 5, setting a daunting target of 549 runs for India to clinch a memorable.

Coming into Day 4, the momentum was clearly with the Proteas: they had built a strong first-innings total of 489, and then extended their lead with a steady second-innings effort. 

The Opening Session: Early Wickets and Tactical Moves

At the start of Day 4, India’s strategy was unorthodox and, frankly, desperate. In a bizarre twist, Rishabh Pant handed the ball to Jaiswal, asking the young opener to bowl leg-spin for India. The move raised eyebrows — in the high-stakes pressure cooker of a 500+ chase, bowling changes matter deeply, and this one seemed more symbolic than tactical.

Jaiswal’s over didn’t pay off. One of his deliveries, short of length, was punished by Wiaan Mulder, who punched it through the covers for a boundary. That boundary in particular brought the lead past 500 — a psychological blow for India and a statement from South Africa. 

South Africa Consolidate: Stubbs and Mulder At the Crease

Meanwhile, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder showed remarkable composure. By lunch, South Africa were 220/4, leading by 508 runs. Stubbs, in particular, blended caution with aggression — his half-century came off 129 balls, a sign that he was playing a long game. 

The partnerships and shot selection from the Proteas reflected their intent: they weren’t just defending the target; they were building a platform to push for dominance.

India’s Collapse: Jaiswal Falls, Wickets Tumble

The dismissal of Jaiswal was a turning point. Though asked to bowl, he had earlier contributed with the bat in previous innings, but on this day he couldn’t repeat his fortitude. India Today His exit exposed India’s brittle batting under pressure: the rest of the lineup lacked the resilience needed to tackle such a massive chase.

Even as Ravindra Jadeja bowled well — picking up wickets and trying to stem the tide — India’s fielding and energy seemed drained. The field placements were aggressive, but the execution faltered; missed chances, slack throws, and hesitant running between wickets added up.

The Bigger Picture: Series Implications & Historical Context

India’s challenge is not just about this one match; it’s about salvaging pride in a series they are trailing. South Africa now lead the two-Test series 1–0, putting them on the brink of a rare away series win in India. 

The enormity of the target (549) meant India needed perfection: measured batting, tight partnerships, and risk management. Instead, they played with urgency, perhaps too much of it, and paid the price. Their aggressive approach, while entertaining, left them vulnerable once early wickets fell.

This kind of collapse in a big chase will raise questions about strategy, temperament, and leadership. Was the decision to push Jaiswal into an untested bowling role symptomatic of panic? Did India’s shot selection betray confidence or recklessness?

Key Performers

Tristan Stubbs: His half-century helped build a solid foundation in the second innings. 

Wiaan Mulder: Played with intent, punished loose deliveries, and helped push the lead beyond 500. 

Ravindra Jadeja: The lone Indian bowler with control, grabbing crucial wickets and keeping hope alive for some time.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: His dismissal — both with the bat (in earlier innings) and with the ball — symbolized India’s fragile chase.

Tactical Analysis: What Went Wrong for India?

Overly Aggressive Mindset: Trying to chase 549 requires a delicate balance. India’s urgency seemed to override prudence.

Poor Bowling Change Calls: Asking a batter (Jaiswal) to bowl leg-spin in such a situation suggests panic or lack of bowling options.

Defensive Fielding Execution: Fielders looked low on energy; missed run-out chances and slow reactions killed momentum.

Lack of Long Partnerships: In big chases, partnerships anchor the innings. India couldn’t stitch one substantial stand.

Mental Pressure: The weight of a 500+ target, combined with series stakes, seemed to have a visible impact.

What Next?

India must now regroup — the series is on the line, and they need a performance turnaround.

The youngsters (like Jaiswal) will need to learn from this test: experience in high-pressure chases is priceless.

The team management will likely introspect on strategy: were some decisions reactive rather than proactive?

For South Africa, they can smell victory — but complacency must be avoided. Even big leads can be dangerous if momentum shifts.

Verdict

Day 4 in Guwahati tells the tale of an imposing target, a gutsy fight, and a team (India) running out of both options and energy. The fall of Yashasvi Jaiswal felt symbolic: not just one wicket, but a turning of the tide. South Africa, methodical and composed, have seized control. India’s challenge now is both as much about cricketing execution as mental resilience.