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India’s Second-Slowest Test Innings: Sai Sudarshan’s Historic Struggle

Source: 14 runs, 139 balls: Sai Sudarshan plays India’s second-slowest Test innings ever — what’s the slowest? (2025-11-26)

In a recent Test match at Guwahati, Sai Sudarshan made headlines for playing one of the slowest innings in Indian cricket history, scoring just 14 runs off 139 balls. This performance marked the second-slowest Test innings by an Indian batter facing 100 or more balls, highlighting the challenging conditions and intense South African bowling attack. The match concluded with India suffering a crushing 408-run defeat, their largest in terms of runs, and marked South Africa’s first series win in India in 25 years. This loss resulted in India’s second consecutive home whitewash within 13 months, significantly impacting their prospects for the upcoming World Test Championship final. Beyond this specific innings, recent cricket developments underscore the evolving landscape of international cricket. South Africa’s victory at Guwahati not only ended a long-standing drought but also demonstrated their strategic dominance, with their bowlers taking 20 wickets across the match. The defeat has prompted discussions about India’s batting resilience, especially on spin-friendly pitches, and has led to calls for strategic adjustments ahead of future series. Additionally, the match was notable for the debut of Sai Sudarshan, a promising young talent, whose slow innings sparked debate about batting strategies in Test cricket. Recent facts that add context include South Africa’s rising Test rankings, now positioned in the top three globally, driven by their consistent performances in recent series. The ICC has also announced new rules for Test match scheduling to enhance viewer engagement, including shorter match durations and innovative broadcast formats. Meanwhile, India’s cricket board is investing heavily in youth development programs, aiming to bolster batting depth and resilience. The upcoming cricket calendar features high-profile series against Australia and England, with strategic focus on improving batting stability in challenging conditions. In the broader cricketing world, innovations such as AI-driven player analytics and virtual reality training are transforming how teams prepare for matches. The ICC’s recent initiatives to promote gender equality have led to increased visibility for women’s cricket, with record viewership numbers in the latest T20 World Cup. As cricket continues to evolve, players like Sai Sudarshan symbolize both the challenges and opportunities faced by emerging talents in a highly competitive environment. The Guwahati Test serves as a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature and the importance of adaptability, resilience, and strategic innovation in maintaining success at the highest levels.

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