Overview
- Temba Bavuma declared at 260/5 after Tristan Stubbs made 94, leaving India 522 to win or a full final day to survive with Sai Sudharsan and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav unbeaten.
- South Africa’s 489 and India’s reply of 201 swung control through a 288-run gap, with Jansen’s short-ball spell dismantling India’s middle order.
- Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant drew heavy criticism for a reckless dismissal and a wasted review, while former coach Anil Kumble said India lacked application and patience.
- Washington Sundar, who top-scored for India with 48 in a 72-run stand with Kuldeep Yadav, argued the failings were execution-related rather than strategic.
- With Shubman Gill sidelined by a neck issue and selection calls under scrutiny, South Africa are poised for their first Test series win in India since 2000 and a 2-0 sweep.