Pace bowler Marco Jansen took four wickets to leave India tottering at 174-7 after the second session on day three of the second Test on Monday.
India still trail by 315 in response to South Africa’s 489 on a batting-friendly pitch in Guwahati.
Washington Sundar, on 33, and Kuldeep Yadav, on 14, were batting at the break at 174-7, after an unbeaten stand of 52 gave them some hope.
Watch South Africa’s Tour of India: Every Test, ODI & T20 match LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
India could be forced to follow on if they don’t reach 289.
It would their first follow-on at home since the Nagpur Test in 2010 also against South Africa, which they lost by an innings and six runs.
After winning the first Test in the two-match series, South Africa are chasing a first series win in India since Hansie Cronje’s team triumphed in 2000.
India suffered their fourth defeat in their last six home Tests to the world champions South Africa in Kolkata last week, following New Zealand’s 3-0 sweep last year.
India’s Ravindra Jadeja walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal during the third day of the second Test cricket match between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on November 24, 2025. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —Source: AFP
In the first session, Yashasvi Jaiswal made 58, his 13th Test half-century, after he lost overnight partner KL Rahul (22) in the first hour of play.
Jaiswal used the sweep to good effect and took on the bowlers, hitting seven fours and one six until he fell to Simon Harmer.
Off-spinner Harmer also had Sai Sudharsan caught at mid-wicket for 15 and Jansen removed Dhruv Jurel for a duck.
Skipper Rishabh Pant fell caught behind off Jansen for seven early in the second session and the collapse continued.
Aiden Markram took a stunning catch, running from second slip and diving for a one-handed grab, to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy off Jansen for 10.
Markram took another catch to send back Ravindra Jadeja for six off Jansen before Sundar and fellow left-hander Kuldeep stood firm to see out the session.
Play starts 30 minutes earlier in the north-eastern city because of early sunsets and the order of the breaks is reversed, meaning the longer lunch comes after tea..
