South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy produced the biggest moment of his Test career on Day 2 of the second Test against India in Guwahati, scoring his maiden Test hundred and putting the visitors in full control of the match. The Indian-origin cricketer batted with patience early on, then shifted gears brilliantly to help South Africa post a huge first-innings total that has India under pressure heading into Day 3.
The innings also highlights his growing value as a genuine all-rounder in South Africa’s setup, especially in subcontinental conditions.
A Hard-Earned Century Built on Patience
South Africa started the day with Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne at the crease. With the team still uncertain of a safe total, the pair focused on playing straight and leaving anything outside off-stump. Their partnership frustrated India’s bowlers, who struggled to find movement on a flat pitch.
Muthusamy reached his fifty in 121 balls. He played cautiously at first, rotating strike and waiting for loose balls rather than forcing boundaries. Verreynne supported him well with his steady 45 before he was stumped off Ravindra Jadeja.
Once Marco Jansen joined him at the crease, the tone of the innings changed.
Jansen’s Power Hitting Helps Muthusamy Accelerate
Jansen walked in with attacking intent and started clearing the ropes quickly. His four big sixes put India on the back foot and allowed Muthusamy to play more freely. With the pressure lifted, Muthusamy began timing the ball better, finding gaps, and scoring at a faster rate.
He brought up his maiden Test century off 192 balls—a proud moment for a player who has worked quietly in the background for years. He eventually fell for 109 after top-edging Mohammed Siraj, but by then South Africa had crossed 400 and taken charge of the match.
Their two key partnerships shaped the innings:
88 runs with Verreynne
94 runs with Jansen
These stands turned a decent start into a dominant position.
Who is Senuran Muthusamy? The Indian-Origin Story
Senuran Muthusamy was born in Durban on 22 February 1994, but his roots trace back to Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, where members of his extended family still live. He is a fourth-generation Tamil South African and has spoken publicly about staying connected to his heritage.
Origin: Tamil, Indian-heritage
Education: Clifton College; University of KwaZulu-Natal (Media & Marketing)
Role: Slow left-arm orthodox all-rounder
Interestingly, he started domestic cricket mainly as a top-order batter. When his form dipped, he shifted focus to bowling, which revived his career and eventually led to his Test debut in India in 2019. His first Test wicket came against Virat Kohli, caught and bowled in Visakhapatnam.
Breaking into the XI consistently hasn’t been easy due to competition from Keshav Maharaj, but this century may help cement his place long-term.
South Africa Take Charge of the Test Match
Centuries by South African players in India are rare, especially from lower-order batters. Muthusamy’s knock came at a crucial time and shifted momentum sharply in South Africa’s favor. India’s bowlers struggled throughout the day. Apart from short bursts from Jasprit Bumrah, there was little threat. Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav found no real assistance from the surface, and the lack of reverse swing hurt India’s chances.
This performance puts South Africa in a strong position to push for a historic Test series win in India, something they have not achieved for more than two decades.
Day 2 Summary: IND vs SA, 2nd Test Guwahati
South Africa resumed at 246/6
Added over 180 runs, ending with a big first-innings total
Muthusamy led with 109, supported by Verreynne and Jansen
India’s bowlers lacked control and bite throughout the day
The lower order’s contribution has been the biggest difference in this match and the series so far. South Africa showed more discipline and intent, while India struggled to finish the innings despite favorable field settings.
What Comes Next? India Need a Strong Batting Response
Muthusamy’s maiden hundred has put India in a tough spot. The pitch still looks good for batting, but India now faces the pressure of chasing a huge total just to stay alive in the match.
For India to respond, the top order must fire—especially Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. The challenge is big, but with a flat surface, there is still time to fight back.
This innings will be remembered as a breakthrough moment for Senuran Muthusamy, the Indian-origin star who has finally announced himself on the Test stage with a mature and match-defining performance.