It was attritional cricket on Day 2 of the second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, at least until Marco Jansen walked out to bat and played a brilliant knock of 93 off 91 balls. On an unresponsive pitch, South Africa were bowled out for 489 in 151.1 overs before India finished at 9/0 at Stumps on Day 2.

Speaking after the end of play, veteran wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with figures of 4/115 in 29.1 overs, compared the surface to a road.

“I think it’s clear that Kolkata’s wicket was different, and this was a road,” pointed out Kuldeep, with a laugh, at the media interaction after Day 2.

“I felt yesterday, the first session, there was a bit of moisture in the wicket, so I got a little bit of turn there. Today was much better for batting. I hardly got any turn. [Ravindra] Jadeja and I have been talking about how the wicket was very good to bat on,” said Kuldeep.

He acknowledged the batting efforts of Jansen and Senuran Muthusamy, who smashed his maiden Test century. The 30-year-old also stated that the Indian bowlers stuck to disciplined lines and lengths, despite not receiving much assistance from the pitch.

“We knew that this was not a track where they’re going to roll out very easily. And obviously, we knew that we had to be very disciplined with our bowling length and line. We tried, but yeah, as everyone knows, Jansen and Muthuswamy batted well. But obviously, overall, everyone put in a good effort. It was a difficult wicket for the bowlers. Because I didn’t feel that there was a lot of help in this wicket. It’s challenging. That’s why we call it Test cricket. Not every day will be yours," Kuldeep said.

As a bowler, you always want to dominate. But when you get a good wicket, it’s also important how you make a comeback. Like we bowled well yesterday and were in good control. But obviously, in one session, there was a partnership, and we fell behind in the game. But yes, this is Test cricket, and you should enjoy it. You learn from it and you mature from it. You shouldn’t think so much about the wicket. You should go there and play. You keep learning according to that. I’m sure that in the next Test match, there will be a better wicket for the bowlers. So, I have no complaints,” he added.

Kuldeep opined that instead of looking too far ahead, it is essential for the Indian batters to try and bat out five sessions, as this could put them in a position from where they can dictate terms in the Test match.

“We have to bat really well tomorrow, and then we’ll see.

Every session is very important. We’ll take it session by session. As of now, we’re not thinking too much about day four or day five, you know. So, you have to bat well, and if you bat for five sessions, we will be in a good position to decide what to do next,” said Kuldeep.