In a dramatic turn of events during the second Test match between India and South Africa, spinner Kuldeep Yadav produced what batsman Tristan Stubbs described as "the best ball he bowled all day" to claim a crucial wicket at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The Magical Delivery That Changed Everything
The moment came on Saturday, November 22, 2025, when Stubbs was looking comfortable at the crease and just one run away from his half-century. The South African batter had already shown his attacking intent by hitting Kuldeep for two sixes earlier in the innings. However, the left-arm wrist spinner had the last laugh with a delivery that showcased his exceptional skill and control.
Kuldeep Yadav, returning for a new spell, tossed the ball up invitingly. What followed was a masterclass in spin bowling as the ball drifted significantly in the air before pitching and then deviating sharply. Stubbs, who had scored 49 runs from 113 balls, found himself drawn into playing at the delivery without any substantial foot movement.
Stubbs Admits Being Outsmarted
Speaking at the end of the day's play, Stubbs was generous in his praise for his Delhi Capitals teammate. "I have faced him quite a few times in the nets, but this was the first ball of his new spell and I think the best one he has bowled," the South African batsman admitted.
Stubbs elaborated on the technical aspects that led to his dismissal: "From my angle, it sort of beat me in the drift, that's why my hands got away. It was just the drift and my hands sort of following it. For him to bowl that first ball of his, coming back, I thought it was quite impressive."
The result was a regulation catch for KL Rahul at first slip, ending what had been a promising innings from the South African middle-order batsman.
Teammates Turned Rivals
The dismissal had an interesting backstory, given that both players share the dressing room for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Stubbs revealed their friendly banter continued even during the Test match.
"We've always chirped each other that he hasn't often bowled to me in the nets," Stubbs shared. "Today he walked past and said, 'You can't say I don't bowl to you anymore'. But I have faced him enough to get the feel of his bowling."
Stubbs acknowledged that if he had to predict how Kuldeep would dismiss him on a good wicket, the exact delivery he faced would have been his guess - one that drifts, angles in, and doesn't spin much.
Batting Challenges and Pitch Conditions
The South African batsman also discussed his promotion to number 3 in the batting order by head coach Shukri Conrad. "It's not the easiest thing moving around the batting order, but whatever the coach asks, I'm just happy to be in the team," Stubbs stated.
He emphasized the mental adjustment required for the new position: "The change is not so much technical, but more mental - tightening your game plan, especially if the ball is doing a bit up front and checking your scoring options."
Regarding the pitch conditions in Guwahati, Stubbs described it as a better wicket for batting compared to Kolkata, though not necessarily conducive to free-flowing stroke play. "You can bat time, but you look up and the scoreboard's sort of gone nowhere," he observed, praising the Indian bowling attack for maintaining disciplined lines and containing the scoring rate.
The day ended with Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah's combined efforts restricting South Africa, setting up an intriguing contest for the remaining days of the Test match.
