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Mysuru express masterclass: When Srinath destroyed SA with career-best six-fer

Poulomi Chakraborty

Javagal Srinath's amazing bowling spell (Source: @StarSportsKan/x.com)Javagal Srinath's amazing bowling spell (Source: @StarSportsKan/x.com)

As the white-ball format may deliver fireworks on the field, the iconic red-ball format is a slow-burning process that tests patience, never letting the thrills dry up. On the big stage of the classic format, whenever India and South Africa met, the match turned out to be classic.

Since their first meet-up in the longest format, the rivalry grew behind the light, but with every possible stage, some performances stunned the world. Among all, India’s first Test win against South Africa is still fresh in memory, but Javagal Srinath’s unforgettable spell in the game made it immortal.

Facing the Proteas, his remarkable six-wicket haul secured India’s victory. Let’s relive his dominance on the South African squad.

A slow beginning sparks the rise of something destructive

Coming back from the international ban, South Africa faced India for the first time in a Test in 1992, but India ended up with a heartbreak in their maiden face-off. After the Proteas took away the win, India had to wait until 1996 for their next shot at the Proteas on home turf, and that contest quickly turned into a classic, high-pressure thriller.

When both sides collided in the first Test in Ahmedabad, fans expected a gripping contest, but the game delivered even more. While batting first, India scored a total of 223 runs, tackling the Proteas' bowling and bowlers who were determined to put pressure on South Africa when they came to bat in their first innings.

Bowling in the first innings, Sunil Joshi’s four-wicket masterclass floored the Proteas, but Javagal Srinath’s quiet spell of 2/47 was the beginning of a destructive storm. In his spell, he removed Allan Donald and Paul Adams. After restricting the tourists to 244 runs, the Srinath-storm was on the way.

Srinath’s six-wicket burst becomes South Africa’s biggest nightmare

When a storm hits, everything trembles, and in the Test against India, South Africa felt the wrath of Javagal Srinath. Chasing down a total of 170 runs, the Proteas lost their first wicket as Srinath sent Andrew Hudson on a duck. The early stumble shattered the opponent, but the Indian pacer deepened the blow by sending Daryll Cullinan on a duck soon after that.

Losing two wickets without a run on the board, the Proteas were under pressure, and standing at that point, Gary Kirsten and Hansie Cronje stitched a 40-run partnership. Coming back to attack, he dismissed David Richardson in 7 runs, adding to this, he sent back Jonty Rhodes on a duck.

With 100/2, South Africa was already reeling, and Srinath was not done with destruction. Sending Allan Donald back in just four runs, he secured an outstanding five-wicket haul, and the world remained stunned by his herpes.

With absolute brilliance, Srinath owned the day and crafted his own masterpiece with a last scalp, dismissing Paul Adams on a duck. With the scalp, he registered an amazing spell of 6/21 in just 11.5 overs, with an economy rate of 1.77.

With that 6/21, Javagal Srinath didn’t just deliver a magical spell; it was a demolition. Before this match, a victory against South Africa was just a dream, but that remarkable performance turned the dream into reality. Every time India and South Africa collide on the field, fans relive Srinath’s excellence again and again.