IND vs SA 2025: ‘Kuldeep Yadav is our X-factor on lifeless Guwahati pitch’ – India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate after Day 1

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained the rationale behind picking Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI in the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The former Netherlands all-rounder said that the team is aware of Kuldeep’s wicket-taking abilities and praised how the left-arm wrist spinner made the South African batters dance to his tunes on Day 1 of the important clash.

Kuldeep picked up the wicket of Ryan Rickelton in the second session and that of Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder in the third. Doeschate pointed out that Kuldeep found a way to build pressure on the opposition batters by bowling to his plans on the red soil surface.

“He picked up three wickets on that surface on day one. We know Kuldeep’s strike rate is phenomenal, he’s a wicket-taker and that’s why we’re picking him. I thought everyone bowled well, but the fact that he gets overspin, and with the red soil and a little more pace in the wicket, he was slightly more effective in the conditions,” ten Doeschate said in the press conference at the end of play on Day 1.

“Later on, the finger spinners are going to come into it. But in terms of strategy and how we wanted to set out the first day, it’s a real bonus for him to pick up three wickets and give us a foothold in the game,” he added.

Kuldeep finished Day 1 with figures of 3/48 in 17 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja bagged one wicket apiece as the Proteas reached 247/6 in 81.5 overs.

Stubbs was the top-scorer for South Africa, missing out on his well-deserved half-century by just one run. The likes of Aiden Markram, Rickelton, and Temba Bavuma also got starts but couldn’t convert them into substantial scores.

India will be high on confidence after dismissing Tony de Zorzi in the last over of the day. The second new ball is just nine deliveries old and Bumrah and Siraj will have their tails up on Sunday. South Africa, on the other hand, would be desperately looking to reach the 300-run mark.