IND vs SA: Fourth Innings Battle Ahead — Will India Break a 25-Year Record Today?

Guwahati: The second test being played between India and South Africa in Guwahati has now reached its decisive point. The challenge before Team India on the fifth day is not just to score runs but to survive for a long time in the fourth innings. The record of the last two decades shows that India has never been able to last so long in the fourth innings. In such a situation, this match has become a tough test of patience and mental strength for Team India.

Why did India face such a difficult situation?

South Africa put huge pressure on India by scoring 489 runs in the first innings. In reply, the Indian team was bundled out for just 201 runs, giving the visitors a huge lead of 288 runs. India suffered initial setbacks in the second innings, and now the team has a target of 522 runs, which looks almost impossible. Chasing such a big target in the fourth innings is a challenge for any team, and it is more difficult for India because the team's record is also not in its favor.

Can India bat long in the fourth innings?

In the last 25 years, India played the maximum number of 98.3 overs in the fourth innings against England in the 2008 Chennai Test, where India registered a historic victory. After this, in the Ahmedabad Test in 2001, the team saved the match by playing 97 overs. Apart from these two occasions, India could never survive for 100 overs. In such a situation, if India wins time in the Guwahati Test, it will be considered a record-level achievement.

What is the biggest challenge facing the Indian batsmen?

The behavior of the ball becomes irregular on the pitch of the fifth day, and the South African bowlers maintain constant pressure. The strategy for India now is only one—to stay at the crease for as long as possible. Batsmen have to be alert on every ball, because one mistake can put the entire innings in jeopardy. Saving wickets and building partnerships is more important than the scoreboard.

Will this match affect India's confidence?

This test is not just a question of victory or defeat but is also related to the team's confidence and future preparations. If India is successful in staying here, the team will get a big morale boost on foreign tours. But if wickets fall early, India's old weakness will again come to the fore in the fourth innings.

Will the audience get to see an exciting ending?

Now all eyes are on whether India will be able to come out of this difficult situation and make the match exciting. The fifth day will decide how Team India handles the pressure—whether it crumbles or shows great resilience.