Harsha Bhogle’s pitch praise sets off proud moment for Guwahati
As India hosted its first-ever Test match in Guwahati, veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to social media at the start of Day 2 to share his early impressions of the Barsapara pitch — and his assessment quickly turned heads. Bhogle drew a stark comparison with Kolkata’s surface, praising Guwahati for offering a more competitive contest.
“Good to see this pitch in Guwahati. The one in Kolkata helped nobody. India’s goal will be to keep SA down to between 300 & 320 and bat till the end of day 3 at least. Won’t be easy, but the game has to be won in the second innings of the match,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), during the early morning of November 23.
Good to see this pitch in Guwahati. The one in Kolkata helped nobody. India's goal will be to keep SA down to between 300 & 320 and bat till the end of day 3 at least. Won't be easy but the game has to be won in the second innings of the match
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 23, 2025
The remark — part tactical, part appreciative — wasn’t just picked up by fans and pundits, but also by Assam’s highest office.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma responds on social media
Quoting Bhogle’s post, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded later on Day 2, taking pride in the state’s cricketing progress and facilities. “Glad to see Guwahati’s pitch earning praise from experts like you,” he wrote, addressing Bhogle directly. He added, “Assam is committed to world-class sporting infrastructure and hosting this Test is a proud moment.”
In another part of his post, the Chief Minister expressed belief in India’s resilience, stating, “A confident Team India will rise to the challenge and make this a historic match for Guwahati.”
Barsapara Stadium, which has hosted white-ball internationals in the past, is now under greater scrutiny — and appreciation — as it steps into the five-day format with global attention.
India trail after Day 3 as South Africa take firm control
While Day 1 ended with South Africa at 247/6, the game has since swung firmly in the visitors’ favor. Riding on a century from Senuran Muthusamy, who scored 109 off 206 balls, and a quickfire 93 from Marco Jansen, South Africa posted a commanding 489 in their first innings.
Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling effort with figures of 4 for 115 in 29.1 overs, but the support from others proved insufficient.
India’s reply was underwhelming. Bundled out for 201, the hosts struggled against Jansen again — this time with the ball — as he claimed 6 for 48. Simon Harmer added pressure with 3 for 64, tightening South Africa’s grip on the match.
By the end of Day 3, the Proteas had extended their lead to 314 runs, finishing the day at 26 without loss in their second innings.
A debut Test with rising stakes
The inaugural Test in Guwahati has brought with it a mix of historic pride and hard cricketing lessons. While the praise from Harsha Bhogle and the recognition from Assam’s Chief Minister highlighted a breakthrough moment for the city and state, the match itself now challenges Team India to respond with urgency on Day 4 and beyond.
Whether or not India can stage a fightback, the Barsapara surface — and Guwahati’s debut — have already earned a place in the spotlight.
