India's Batting Woes Overshadow Opening Stand Against South Africa

India's top-order faltered after a promising start from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, losing crucial wickets against South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati. Chasing a daunting 489, India trails by 387 runs with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, standing at 102/4 before lunch.

In a dramatic turn of events during the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium, India's batsmen squandered a solid start provided by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The team found themselves in trouble after losing three quick wickets just before tea on Monday, resulting in a precarious 102/4 against South Africa's daunting first innings total of 489.

India began the day on a positive note with the scoreboard reading 9/0. Jaiswal and Rahul displayed promising form, culminating in a 65-run opening partnership. However, this effort was soon overshadowed by hasty shot selections that saw wickets fall in quick succession. Jaiswal was dismissed after a commendable 58, while Rahul fell for 22, struggling against the opposition's spin attack.

The carnage was compounded as Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel soon followed back to the pavilion without contributing significantly to the chase. While Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remained at the crease, India trailed by a hefty 387 runs, raising the specter of a follow-on.

(With inputs from agencies.)