India, Nov. 24 -- India were left grappling with a difficult situation on Day 3 of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Completely outplayed by South Africa with both bat and ball, the hosts conceded a hefty first-innings lead of 288 after a disappointing batting collapse. The setback deepened in the evening session, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton negotiating the new ball comfortably and stretching the advantage beyond 300 by stumps, leaving India facing a daunting task with two days still remaining.

Rishabh Pant and his teammates wore the frustration on their faces as the day slipped away from India, and the tension was evident in their body language late in the session.

In the closing over of the day, M...