New Delhi— India find themselves on the brink of a daunting challenge in the second and final Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Trailing 0-1 in the two-match series, Rohit Sharma’s absence and Rishabh Pant’s leadership have added further pressure as South Africa’s lead approaches the 400-run mark on Day 4. To win this Test, India will need nothing short of a historic run chase — something never achieved on Indian soil.
Historically, chasing anything above 300 in the fourth innings has been a rarity in India due to deteriorating pitches that become increasingly unfriendly for batters. In fact, only once has a team chased more than 300 in India: the memorable 387-run chase against England in the 2008 Chennai Test, where Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 103 and Yuvraj Singh’s 85* scripted a famous Indian victory.
Top 5 Successful Run Chases in Tests in India:
• 387/4 – India vs England, Chennai, 2008
• 276/5 – West Indies vs India, Delhi, 1987
• 276/5 – India vs West Indies, Delhi, 2011
• 262/5 – India vs New Zealand, Bengaluru, 2012
• 256/8 – India vs Australia, Brabourne, 2010
Match Summary So Far
South Africa, after winning the toss, posted a commanding 489 in their first innings, fuelled by Senuran Muthusamy’s century and Marco Jansen’s fine 93. India faltered in response, bowled out for 201, conceding a massive 288-run lead. By stumps on Day 3, South Africa were 26/0 in their second innings, stretching the lead to 314 — a figure that has now moved close to the dreaded 400 mark.
As the pitch continues to deteriorate, the challenge for Pant’s India is monumental. To save the match — or pull off a miracle — they will need resilience, discipline, and a bit of history-making magic.
