Guwahati, India – South Africa ended Day 1 of the second Test against India at 247/6, after a day of fluctuating fortunes at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors looked comfortable early on, but India fought back, with the star performer being spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3 wickets.

South Africa's opening pair, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, provided a solid start, putting on an 82-run partnership. Jasprit Bumrah made the initial breakthrough just before tea, dismissing Markram for 38. Shortly after the interval, Kuldeep Yadav struck, removing Rickelton for 35.

Despite the early breakthroughs, Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma offered resistance, building an 84-run partnership. However, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Bavuma for 41, and Kuldeep Yadav denied Stubbs his half-century, dismissing him for 49. Wiaan Mulder was Kuldeep's next victim, falling for 13. Tony de Zorzi scored 28 before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 25 at the end of the day.

According to reports, spin legend Anil Kumble said India "should be fairly satisfied" with their performance on the opening day. Kuldeep Yadav led India's fightback, ending the day with figures of 3/48. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket each.

The Indian bowlers, especially Kuldeep and Bumrah, displayed control and mastery on a track that was reasonably good for batting. Rishabh Pant captained the Indian side in the absence of injured Shubman Gill. India made two changes to their team, with Nitish Reddy replacing Gill and Sai Sudharsan coming in for Axar Patel. South Africa made one change, with Senuran Muthusamy replacing Corbin Bosch.

The usual order of session breaks was changed for the match, with tea taken before lunch, due to daylight concerns at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.