Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has praised spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his standout performance on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati on Saturday. Playing the first-ever international Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, India restricted South Africa to 247 for 6 in 81.5 overs at stumps on Day 1.
South Africa’s innings featured valuable contributions from Aiden Markram (38), Ryan Rickelton (35), Tristan Stubbs (49) and captain Temba Bavuma (41). However, the day belonged to Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a crucial 17-over spell, picking up three wickets, dismissing Markram, Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder (13). India’s pace duo Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, took one wicket each.
Kuldeep’s Overspin Key to Success on Red Soil Pitch
Speaking about Kuldeep’s success, ten Doeschate credited the left-arm wrist-spinner’s ability to generate overspin, which he said played a major role on the red-soil surface.
“He took three wickets on that surface on Day 1. We know Kuldeep’s strike rate is phenomenal as it is. He’s a wicket-taker and that’s why we’re picking him,” ten Doeschate said.
He added that the combination of overspin, red soil, and additional pace in the wicket made Kuldeep “slightly more effective” than others. He also predicted that finger spinners would come into play later in the match.
“For him to pick up three wickets and get us a foothold in the game is a real bonus,” he said.
India Preparing for Batting Order Reshuffle
Ten Doeschate confirmed that the Indian team management has informed the players about changes in the batting order, emphasizing the value of versatility.
“We keep talking about versatile players who can bat in different positions. We’re asking guys to do whatever’s best for the team. So there’s going to be a reshuffling of the order,” he said.
The change is expected to support India’s strategy in the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out due to injury.
‘Wicket Rarely Determines the Result’ – Doeschate on Kolkata Loss
Responding to questions on what type of pitches suit India better, ten Doeschate reflected on India’s recent 30-run defeat in Kolkata.
“My personal view is that the wicket rarely determines who wins the game. If we’d played better in Kolkata, we could have won on that surface,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that recent results suggest India may be more comfortable on surfaces like the one in Guwahati.
“You’ve got to be prepared to fight really hard and this game is going to go deep,” he added.
Toss Plays a Crucial Role in These Conditions
Ten Doeschate said that on such wickets, the toss becomes “even more important.”
“If you lose it, you have to put on a display like today and fight for every run. At some point the pressure will come — it’ll just come later in this game,” he said.
He also hinted that the team’s playing template is better suited to wickets like Guwahati’s rather than some of the turning tracks India encountered recently.
South Africa currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0, making the Guwahati Test crucial for India’s chances of levelling the series.