Jansen Dominates as India’s Top Order Collapses
In a stunning display of batting ineptitude, India’s top order collapsed during the second Test against South Africa, leaving the team on the verge of an unwanted home series whitewash. The game, held in Kolkata, saw the Indian batsmen posting a mere 201 runs in their first innings against a relentless performance by South African pacer Marco Jansen.
Marco Jansen’s Remarkable Bowling
Marco Jansen, standing tall at 6 feet 8 inches, delivered a remarkable bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets for just 48 runs. His contribution was pivotal, especially after he had previously scored an impressive 93 runs the day before.
India’s Disappointing Batting Collapse
The match took a significant turn on the third day, with South Africa finishing at 26 without loss, establishing an overall lead of 314 runs. With more than 120 overs remaining, they are poised to set an imposing target for India.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir faced criticism for choosing a pitch that was described as akin to a “road.” Despite this, the errant performance of the Indian batsmen was disappointing. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (22) offered a solid start before the team crumbled from a promising 95 for 1 to a dismal 122 for 7.
Key Factors in India’s Downfall
- Sai Sudharsan scored 15 runs but failed to learn from his earlier mistakes.
- Dhruv Jurel registered a duck in a missed opportunity.
- Skipper Rishabh Pant contributed only 7 runs, making poor shot selections.
The rapid dismissal of Sudharsan, Jurel, and Pant within just 13 balls showcased a troubling lack of discipline and awareness among the batsmen. The remaining innings saw a cautious Washington Sundar (48) and a resilient Kuldeep Yadav (19) attempt to stabilize the collapse, but their partnership eventually fell short.
Time Running Out for India
With an impending matchup against Sri Lanka looming in six months, Sudharsan’s continued presence in Test cricket looks uncertain. His repeated poor shot selection, particularly against spin, raises concerns about his future in the format.
Looking Ahead
The Proteas are in control, with ample time to secure a definitive victory. For India, managing to attain a draw would be seen as a minor moral victory. However, Gautam Gambhir’s reputation as a red-ball coach hangs in the balance as the team continues to grapple with these challenges.
