‘Well, I tell you what...’: Sunil Gavaskar's sensational comments shake South Africa in 2nd Test

 On the opening day of the second Test match between South Africa and India at Newlands Cricket Ground, South Africa struggled to 62/3 at stumps in their second innings, trailing India by 36 runs. Aiden Markram showed resilience with an unbeaten 36, while India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar, took crucial wickets. South Africa's decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed challenged by India's disciplined bowling. The match hangs in the balance as both teams seek to gain the upper hand in this crucial contest, with India holding a distinct advantage going into Day 2.  

3 things you need to know

• South Africa made 55 runs in their first innings and India made 153
• South Africa will from 62/3 on Day 2 to continue their second innings
• South Africa trails India by 36 runs

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Sunil Gavaskar made a huge statement regarding India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 1

After winning the toss in the second Test between South Africa and India in Cape Town on January 3, cricket great Sunil Gavaskar expressed shock at South Africa's decision to bat first. According to the former captain of India, the Proteas bowlers failed to take advantage of the ideal conditions at Newlands and exert pressure on the faltering Indian batters.

In his final international encounter, Dean Elgar chose to bat first, but it backfired, as the hosts were bowled for just 55, their lowest Test total since 1932. South Africa pulled off a stunning recovery, reducing India to 153 runs in just 11 balls, but not before the visitors lost six wickets for no runs. South Africa was at 62/3 in their second innings at day's end.

Gavaskar gave Star Sports his thoughts on the batting strategy used by South Africa in the Cape Town Test. He said:

“Well, I tell you what, I was a bit surprised by what happened. Because a lot of times, captains and coaches make a big deal about what the pitch is gonna be...”

"I think you have also got to look at the psychology of the Indian team, having been defeated in three days, having batted so poorly in the second innings and going to be batting first on a fresh pitch would have been just a little bit defensive,” 

"And I have thought that South Africans with the fast bowlers that they have in their lineup could look to take advantage of the fact that they have not played any cricket in between and therefore put them in,”

The former Indian captain went on to say that the Proteas blew a good opportunity to confront India's batsmen, who had struggled in Centurion, on an immaculate surface.

India quickly removed the hosts at a low score, highlighted by Mohammed Siraj's brilliant 6/15. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger all took three wickets, cutting India's advantage to fewer than 100 runs.

South Africa are behind India by 36 runs as they prepare for their second innings, with Aiden Markram (36*) and David Bedingham (7*) holding the fort at the crease. The setting is set for an exciting conclusion to the contest in Cape Town.