The battle for the Freedom Trophy has shifted to a new frontier in Guwahati, and Team India isn’t just playing the opposition—they’re playing the long game on a unique pitch. As the second Test against South Africa kicked off on November 22, 2025, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered a fascinating glimpse into the team’s meticulous IND vs SA strategy, one that hinges on patience, spin, and a belief that ‘this is going to go deep’ .
Table of Contents
- Ten Doeschate’s Guwahati Insight
- Kuldeep Yadav: The X-Factor
- The Evolving Guwahati Pitch
- India’s Long-Game Strategy
- Conclusion: Is India’s Plan a Masterstroke?
- Sources
Ten Doeschate’s Guwahati Insight
Ryan ten Doeschate, known for his sharp cricketing mind, didn’t mince words after Day 1 in Guwahati. While the surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is famously flat and batting-friendly, he emphasized that it still aligns perfectly with India’s home advantage . His core message was clear: don’t expect a quick result. The assistant coach is banking on the pitch’s character to unfold over the full five days, a classic Indian tactic designed to wear down visiting teams unfamiliar with the subcontinent’s slow-burn conditions .
This patient, attritional approach is a cornerstone of India’s IND vs SA series playbook, especially after their dominant win in the first Test at Eden Gardens . The plan isn’t to blast South Africa out on Day 1, but to create a scenario where every session on Days 4 and 5 becomes a pressure cooker.
Kuldeep Yadav: The X-Factor
In a game of fine margins, ten Doeschate has identified his primary weapon: Kuldeep Yadav. On a pitch that many expected to be lifeless, the left-arm wrist-spinner was a revelation, snaring three crucial wickets for just 48 runs on Day 1 . His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce, even from a surface that offered little for conventional spin early on, was highlighted by the coach as a key differentiator .
“Kuldeep Yadav is our X-factor on a lifeless Guwahati pitch,” ten Doeschate was quoted as saying . This isn’t just praise; it’s a strategic declaration. While finger spinners like Ravindra Jadeja are expected to come into play as the match progresses and the pitch dries out, Kuldeep’s mystery and variations provide an immediate threat that can break a solid batting lineup at any point. His triple strike on the opening day was a perfect execution of this plan .
The Evolving Guwahati Pitch
The Guwahati pitch presents a unique challenge. Historically, it’s been a high-scoring venue, but the cool morning conditions and residual moisture can offer something for the fast bowlers early on . However, its true character emerges in the latter half of the match. As the surface dries and starts to crack, it traditionally offers significant assistance to spinners.
Ten Doeschate’s anticipation that finger spinners will grow in prominence as the game moves forward is a well-informed assessment. This evolution of the pitch is central to India’s game plan. The strategy seems to be:
- Day 1-2: Use the new ball and Kuldeep’s wrist spin to pick up early wickets.
- Day 3: Consolidate the innings with a strong batting performance, setting a competitive total.
- Days 4-5: Unleash the full might of their spin attack on a deteriorating surface, where both Kuldeep and Jadeja can be lethal.
This multi-phase approach shows a deep understanding of the conditions and a commitment to a long-term vision, a hallmark of a well-coached side. For more on how pitches evolve, the ICC’s official guide on pitch conditions provides excellent context on how surfaces can drastically change a match’s dynamics.
India’s Long-Game Strategy
Ten Doeschate’s statement that ‘this is going to go deep’ is more than just a prediction; it’s a psychological ploy. By framing the match as a marathon, not a sprint, he’s subtly managing expectations and putting pressure on the South African camp, who will have to muster immense mental fortitude to survive a grueling five days.
This strategy also leverages India’s superior home record, where they have often outlasted and out-thought visiting teams. The team is clearly comfortable with a slow-burn contest, knowing their resources—both in batting depth and a versatile spin attack—are built for such battles . The plan is to force South Africa into a position where they must play a high-risk game on a tricky surface against a relentless Indian bowling unit.
While South Africa finished Day 1 at 247/6 , the real test for both teams will be the final two days. India’s faith in their process and their belief in the Guwahati pitch’s trajectory is their biggest asset right now [INTERNAL_LINK:india-vs-south-africa-series-preview].
Conclusion: Is India’s Plan a Masterstroke?
Ryan ten Doeschate’s candid assessment of the IND vs SA contest in Guwahati reveals a team that’s in complete control of its narrative. By identifying Kuldeep Yadav as their key weapon and banking on the pitch to deteriorate in their favor, India has set a trap that South Africa will find increasingly difficult to escape. The game isn’t about who wins the first session, but who endures the final one. With a clear, multi-day strategy and a world-class spinner in top form, Team India looks poised to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.