NEW DELHI: Sai Sudharsan was careless, Dhruv Jurel indiscreet and skipper Rishabh Pant plain irresponsible as India’s batting collapse left them on the brink of a humiliating home series whitewash against South Africa on Monday.

On a pitch Kuldeep Yadav described as a "road", the Indian batters were bounced out for just 201 in their first innings by towering pacer Marco Jansen, who claimed 6 for 48 after scoring 93 on the second day. By stumps, South Africa were 26 without loss, consolidating a 314-run overall lead and aiming to set India a target above 450 with plenty of overs remaining.

Jansen will relish his performance as it came in conditions offering little help to any bowler. Head coach Gautam Gambhir may have faced criticism for the turner in Kolkata, but the poor game awareness of India’s batters during the first session and a half of the third day warranted a dressing down.

Steady start undone by poor shot selection

Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (22) provided a steady opening stand but were unlucky to edge the only two deliveries from spinners that bounced from length. From 95 for 1 to 122 for 7, India’s top order collapsed through reckless shot-making and lack of respect for the match situation. Sudharsan (15), Jurel (0) and Pant (7) fell in just 13 balls, leaving the dugout witnessing a collective lapse in judgement.

Washington Sundar (48 off 92 balls) and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 134 balls) added 62 runs for the eighth wicket in nearly 35 overs, showing the patience required on a flat track. Their innings highlighted what could have been achieved had the others applied some discipline.

Repeated mistakes cost India dearly

Sudharsan fell to a short ball from Simon Harmer, repeating his dismissal from the first Test against West Indies. Jurel misjudged a slower short ball outside off stump, while Pant charged down the track to Jansen, edging a cross-batted hoick to Kyle Verreynne. Nitish Kumar Reddy (10) and Ravindra Jadeja (6) were also removed by Jansen’s well-directed short deliveries to leave India in disarray at 102 for 5 at one stage.

The Proteas have enough time to force a result and may finish the series 2-0. For India, saving a draw would feel like a minor victory, while Gambhir’s reputation as a red-ball coach could take another hit despite any resistance from the home side.