Muthusamy on His First Test Century: A Special Knock in India Clash After 109 Runs
In November 2025, in the 2nd Test between South Africa and India at Guwahati (Barsapara Stadium), Senuran Muthusamy delivered a standout performance that marked a turning point in his Test career. He scored his maiden Test century, anchoring his team’s innings and taking control in challenging conditions.
1. Background: Who Is Senuran Muthusamy
Muthusamy, born February 22, 1994 in Durban, is a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner for South Africa.
He comes from Indian ancestry, with family ties to Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu.
He made his Test debut for South Africa in October 2019, against India.
Muthusamy’s journey reflects perseverance: balancing his role as spin-bowler and lower/specialist batsman striving to make his mark in a strong national team.
2. Match Context: South Africa vs India, Guwahati Test
The inning in which Muthusamy scored came during South Africa’s first innings in the 2nd Test at Guwahati. Reuters reported he scored his maiden Test hundred, producing a 109.
His century, combined with a career-best 93 from Marco Jansen, helped South Africa post a commanding total of 489 in their first innings.
This context set the stage for a high-stakes knock from a player who was yet to establish himself as a Test main-stay.
3. The Knock: Details of His Century
3.1 Innings Build & Key Partnerships
Muthusamy came in after early wickets had fallen; his innings was crucial in steadying the innings for South Africa.
He shared a solid partnership with Kyle Verreynne (who scored 45) as they negotiated India’s attack and built the foundation for the total.
3.2 Scoring & Shot Selection
He scored 109 runs for this milestone innings.
During this innings, he struck 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Muthusamy’s approach combined patience with aggression: early session caution, then controlled acceleration as the innings progressed. According to match reports, after reaching his fifty, he and his partner capitalized on loose bowling to raise the run rate.
4. Significance of the Century
4.1 For Muthusamy’s Career
This was his first Test century which marks a major confidence-boosting milestone. AP News
It establishes him as a batsman capable of playing long and meaningful innings under pressure, a valuable trait for middle/lower-order players who can contribute with both bat and ball.
With his all-round credentials (he bowls left-arm orthodox), the century enhances his selection value and potentially secures his place in future Test lineups. His career record from sources shows he has delivered with both bat and ball.
4.2 For South Africa in India
A strong first-innings total of 489 (supported by his knock) puts SA in commanding position and tests India’s chase/batting lineup.
Scoring a Test century in Indian conditions–with heat, spin threat and unfamiliar pitches–is always significant for visiting batsmen; this innings signals adaptability and maturity.
It also sends a message to Indian bowlers & selectors that depth in SA batting now includes unexpected heroes, making series planning harder on opponents.
5. Analysis: What Made the Knock Work
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Patience & Temperament | Early phase controlled; respected good deliveries before capitalizing on bad balls — necessary in Indian conditions. |
| Shot Selection | Balancing defense with calculated aggression helped negotiate spin and the new ball. |
| Lower-order Partnerships | Shared partnerships restored momentum after top-order collapse — especially pivotal with Verreynne and Jansen. |
| Application Against Spin & Pace | Handled Indian spinners and pacers well, adapting technique to diverse bowling attacks. |
| Match Awareness | Used situational cricket intelligence to decide when to consolidate vs attack, ensuring impact while staying safe. |
6. Broader Impact & What to Watch Next
Muthusamy’s performance will earn him more opportunities in Tests, especially on tours where spin and long batting are vital.
South Africa’s team management may view him as a genuine dual-threat (bat + bowl), giving them selection flexibility against teams like India, where conditions favor spin.
The knock may inspire other players with mixed roles (batsman-bowlers) to strive for consistency — highlighting pathways for domestically strong performers.
7. Player Outlook & Personal Growth
Looking beyond the match, this century could serve as a career inflection point:
Muthusamy had shown promise in domestic cricket, but such a Test hundred against top opposition elevates his profile.
With domestic experience and growing confidence, he might evolve into a more regular Test feature, and even leadership roles considering his all-round skill set.
Conclusion
Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century against India in Guwahati is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a statement of his skill, temperament, and readiness for the highest level. Belying conditions, pressure and opposition, he bat & bowled his way to respect and spotlight.
Written By The Cricket Show
Stay tuned to The Cricket Show for exclusive match analyses, post-game reports, and expert insights on every ODI, T20, and Test around the world.
