Senuran Muthusamy described his maiden Test century in India as “fantastic” after reaching South Africa’s first innings total of 489 on Day 2 in Guwahati.
His quiet 109 off 206 balls – with 10 fours and two sixes – marked an important personal milestone, especially considering his debut tour in 2019 and the years he spent fighting his way back into the Test side.
When asked what the hundred meant in India, he said:
“Yes, it’s fantastic, especially because I came to India in 2019, and I mean we lost the series quite badly. When I came back to domestic cricket, I managed to work my way back into the international setting, and it was really great having the opportunity to be in India. To put in a performance like that in the first innings is a great experience.”
Although his roots go back “quite a few generations,” he admitted that the moment brought with it personal emotions.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to play in this Test match after not playing the first one.”
Muthusamy batted with a composure that stood out on a testing surface.
“I was just trying to do work for the team and build partnerships and really accumulate runs. First innings runs in the subcontinent are vital. It was just a big relief when I reached 100. It was a fantastic crowd today in Guwahati.”
He praised the views he shared with Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen as key to shifting South Africa from problems to control.
“With Kyle this morning it was against a new ball and it was a 9am start so we expected it to be very tough. I thought he batted very, very well. That was a great partnership to really get the innings going.”
Speaking about Jansen’s counter-attack, he said: “Marco was sublime when he came in. He has fantastic levers, he’s a pure striker and he really showed his skills today. That was a great treat to see from the other end.”
Muthusamy acknowledged the challenges of being a spinning all-rounder in South Africa, saying:
“Yes, it’s tough. The conditions are very different from the subcontinent. My journey has been unique. After 2019, I wasn’t sure if I would ever play Test cricket again, especially in India after we lost that series. I’m just very grateful for the people close to me, the coaches, the support staff, the players, my family back home.”
Domestic cricket, he said, was a big part of his development.
“Yes, it helped a lot. I played many years in domestic cricket and also quite a few years in the South African A team. I am a product of South African cricket. I have played almost every step of the way growing up.”
Reflecting on the disciplined nature of the innings, he said:
“It was really exhausting cricket out there, but first innings runs are very important. India showed the blueprints in 2019. We will sit, we will discuss, and we will find ways and find a way from tomorrow.”
He insisted there was no frustration in missing the first Test.
“We are the world Test champions. We support anyone who gets a chance. I had no problem sitting out. We won the match so it was fantastic – I was overjoyed.”
Muthusamy came in at 210 for five and said he was leaning on experience rather than panic.
“We knew what we had to do. It was about finding a way and executing our skills to the best of our ability.”
He concluded by acknowledging his family’s origins in Tamil Nadu.
“My roots are in the south, in Tamil Nadu. My mother and my aunt have been visiting our extended family. I haven’t been there yet.”
An inning of determination, emotion and calm execution – all in his own words – marked a full-circle moment for a player who once wondered if he would ever stand on this stage again.
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