IND vs SA: Aiden Markram overtakes Ajinkya Rahane to set world record in Test cricket

South African star Aiden Markram etched his name in cricket folklore during the recently concluded second Test against India at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. In a match dominated by South Africa from start to finish, Markram produced one of the best ever fielding performances in Test cricket. His exceptional performance not only contributed to the Proteas’ impressive 408-run win, but also helped seal a historic 2-0 series whitewash – South Africa’s first Test series win on Indian soil in almost 25 years.

Aiden Markram surpasses Ajinkya Rahane to claim a world record

What made the win even more memorable for South Africa was Markram’s extraordinary performance in the slip cordon. The 30-year-old went past the former India captain Ajinkya Rahane‘s long-standing record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in a Test match. Rahane had set the benchmark with eight catches Sri Lanka in 2015 – an achievement that went unchallenged for a decade. However, Markram rewrote the history books by taking nine catches in both innings, displaying exceptional anticipation, sharp reflexes and impeccable technique.

Markram’s record-breaking effort was down to some sensational fielding throughout the match. Each rejection highlighted a different facet of his fielding skills – whether it was reacting immediately to edges flying at chest height or diving low to complete difficult shots inches above the ground. His presence in the slips instilled unwavering confidence in the South African bowlers, especially their seamers, as they ruthlessly tested the Indian batting line-up.

The crowning moment came on Day 5 as India tried to delay the inevitable in their steep chase of 549. Washington Sundar‘s outside edge flew towards Markram, who completed a clean, composed catch – his ninth of the game. That moment officially took him past Rahane and into the record books, sealing his status as one of the best slip fielders in modern cricket.

Most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in a Test match

• Aiden Markram – 9 vs India, 2025
• Ajinkya Rahane – 8 vs Sri Lanka, 2015
• Greg Chappell – 7 v England, 1974

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A historic Test series triumph for South Africa

Markram’s brilliance was just one chapter in what turned out to be a dream series for South Africa. The emphatic 408-run win in Guwahati completed a 2-0 whitewash in the Freedom Trophy, underscoring the visitors’ complete dominance. South Africa defeated India on all fronts: batting with authority, bowling with discipline and fielding with unparalleled sharpness.

This was no ordinary series victory. It was South Africa’s first Test series win in India since their 2–0 victory in the 1999–2000 season, ending a 25-year drought. For a team often seen as strong at home but inconsistent on the subcontinent, this performance ranks as one of their most significant away successes in the modern era.

The series will be remembered for its defining moments: Senuran Muthusamythe first century, Marco Jansen‘s fiery sayings, Simon Harmer‘s masterful display of spin bowling, and above all, Markram’s historic nine-catch masterclass.

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