South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy turned heads with his maiden Test century of 109 runs in the second Test against India at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium on November 23, 2025. This gritty knock helped South Africa post a massive 489 in their first innings, putting them in a strong position as India trailed by 387 runs at 102 for 4 by the end of day three.
Journey from 2019 Debut Struggles to 2025 Glory
Muthusamy’s path back to India has been full of ups and downs. In his 2019 debut series here, he managed just two wickets across two Tests, leading South Africa to a heavy defeat. That tough start made him doubt if he would ever play Test cricket again, especially in India.
After that series, Muthusamy waited four long years for his third Test cap. He dove back into domestic cricket, honing his skills as a left-arm spinner and batsman. His hard work paid off with strong showings in South Africa’s setup.
Support from coaches, family, and friends kept him going. He also teamed up with sports scientist Cheryl Calder to boost his game. These efforts built his resilience, turning past failures into fuel for success.
Breaking Through with a Century in Guwahati
On day two of the second Test, Muthusamy walked in at 201 for 5, a tricky spot for South Africa. He built a vital 178-run stand with Marco Jansen, who scored 93. Muthusamy’s 109 came off patient batting, mixing defense with timely attacks against India’s spinners.
This innings marked his first Test ton and pushed South Africa to 489, their highest first-innings total in India since 2010. No team has lost a Test in India after scoring that much, stats show.
India’s reply faltered early. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58, but quick wickets left them at 102 for 4. Muthusamy’s knock has shifted the momentum, with South Africa eyeing a series whitewash after winning the first Test.
His all-round skills shone too. As a spinner, he could play a big role on the turning Guwahati pitch in the coming days.
Indian Roots and Personal Background
Muthusamy’s family ties trace back to Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India. His ancestors moved generations ago, but the connection remains strong. His mother and aunts have visited their native town, keeping the heritage alive.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Muthusamy grew up playing cricket in a diverse community. This background adds a special layer to his success in India, where he feels a cultural link.
Despite never visiting Nagapattinam himself, Muthusamy takes pride in his roots. It motivates him, blending South African grit with Indian heritage in his playing style.
Recent Form Boosts South Africa’s Campaign
Muthusamy’s form has been red-hot lately. In the recent Pakistan series in October 2025, he grabbed a maiden five-wicket haul and a match-defining 89 not out. He earned Player of the Series for his all-round efforts, taking 22 wickets at an average of 26.5 across his Test career so far.
Here is a quick look at his key Test statistics up to November 2025:
| Category | Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8 | 375+ | 63+ | 22 | 26.5 |
| In Sub-continent | 5 | 250+ | 50+ | 15 | 25.0 |
| Vs India | 3 | 150+ | 75+ | 5 | 30.0 |
These numbers highlight his growth as a reliable all-rounder. His spin bowling suits sub-continent conditions, where South Africa has historically struggled.
In Pakistan, he spun webs around batsmen, proving his value beyond batting. This momentum carried into India, making him a key player in South Africa’s push for the World Test Championship.
Impact on the Series and Future Outlook
South Africa leads the series 1-0, and Muthusamy’s ton has them on the brink of a rare win in India. The Proteas have not won a Test series here since 2000, but this performance changes the narrative.
India faces pressure to avoid a whitewash. With spinners like Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj in the mix, South Africa’s attack looks potent. Muthusamy could add more wickets, strengthening their bid.
Fans see this as a turning point for Muthusamy. At 31, he is hitting his prime, blending experience with skill.
What do you think of Muthusamy’s comeback story? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to fellow cricket fans for more discussion.
