IND vs SA 2nd Test - Why did India's batters fail against the bowlers of South Africa - Reason Revealed

The legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble, the former head coach of the Indian team, criticized the Indian batsmen's strategy after the team gave up a 288-run lead to South Africa in the ongoing 2nd Test Match of the IDFC FIRST BANK Two-match series in Guwahati, while South African speed great Dale Steyn praised the visitors following three days of domination.

The 6-foot-7-inch-tall bowler Marco Jansen, who produced amazing bowling figures of 6 for 46 after hammering 91 runs with the bat on the second day, all-out India for a pitiful 201 on a wicket that chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav had referred to as a "road."

"I thought India's performance with the bat was really subpar.  There was a lack of the patience and application which is required in Modern-Day Test cricket.  The batters didn't appear ready to play session after session or withstand difficult stretches, despite some excellent deliveries", Kumble said on JioStar.

South Africa, who are leading the series 1-0 after emerging victorious at the Eden Gardens put up a monstrous score of 487 in their opening inning.

"It seemed like that the goal was to chase runs fast, which is impractical in a Test match because a big score like 487 runs must be accumulated gradually.  It's important to respect the opposing bowlers and their bowling-spells, but India didn't demonstrate enough courage", according to Kumble.

"Marco Jansen performed outstandingly, putting Indian under constant discomfort," the former India spinner continued.  India seemed unready to leave or absorb the strikes when he began bowling short-pitched balls, which can be hard because of his height and peculiar length."

"That method is crucial in Test cricket to endure tough phases, but sadly, it was missing from India's strategy today."

It was "uncommon to see" an opposing team control the game for three consecutive days in India, which had suffered defeat in the first Test after being unable to pursue 124 on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata, as noted by former South African fast bowler Steyn.

Steyn remarked, "It's unusual to watch a touring side dominate three days of cricket on Indian soil like this," following the conclusion of the third day at the Barsapara Stadium.

"In my opinion, their planning and execution in these Guwahati conditions have surpassed India's attempts." South Africa's advantage was 314 heading into the fourth day of the match after they were 26 for no loss in their second innings.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal partnered for 65 runs as India began the day on nine for no loss.  After Rahul was removed by Keshav Maharaj in the 22nd over, the innings abruptly crumbled.

Panic increased when Jaiswal (58) was dismissed with additional bounce by off-spinner Simon Harmer, the hero of the first Test.

Dhruv Jurel got out off a short-pitched ball for an 10-ball duck, Sai Sudharsan was sent back to the dugout after playing an unnecessary risky stroke, and stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant was also dismissed after playing a foolish shot that drew a lot of criticism.

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