On Day 2 of the second Test in Guwahati, Senuran Muthusamy didn’t just score a century—he resurrected a career many thought had faded into obscurity. The 31-year-old left-handed all-rounder, born in Durban on February 22, 1994, smashed his maiden Test ton—109 off 192 balls—on November 23, 2025, turning a precarious 201 for five into a commanding 409 for eight. Six years after a humiliating debut tour of India where he took just two wickets and felt like a ghost in his own uniform, Muthusamy stood tall in the same country, under the same sun, and made every doubter eat their words.
A Career That Almost Vanished
Muthusamy’s Test debut came on October 2, 2019, in Visakhapatnam, where he dismissed Virat Kohli, caught and bowled, for 20. It was a dream start. But then silence. No selection. No call-ups. No answers. He returned to domestic cricket with the Dolphins, grinding through the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Series, slowly retooling his game. He’d begun as a batter, then reinvented himself as a genuine all-rounder—slow left-arm orthodox bowler who could bat in the top six. He even finished a degree in media and marketing, just in case. "There were times," he admitted post-match, "where I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play Test cricket again. Especially not in India."The Turning Point: Pakistan, Then Guwahati
The shift began in early 2025. In Pakistan, Muthusamy delivered a performance that whispered, "I’m back." He took 11 wickets across two Tests and scored 89 not out in the second innings. It wasn’t just form—it was proof he could thrive on subcontinental pitches, the very grounds that had broken him in 2019. He worked with sports scientist Cheryl Calder, refining his movement, his stamina, his mental resilience. The transformation wasn’t just physical. It was emotional. Then came Guwahati. And the Assam Cricket Association Stadium. The same soil where his career nearly ended.
109: The Calm in the Storm
South Africa was reeling at 201 for five. The Indian attack, hungry for redemption after losing the first Test, smelled blood. Muthusamy walked in. Not with fireworks. Not with bravado. With quiet discipline. He spent 121 balls to reach his half-century, watching the ball, letting the bowlers come to him. He partnered with Kyle Verreynne (45 off 122), absorbing pressure like a sponge. After tea, when Verreynne was stumped, Muthusamy didn’t flinch. He found Marco Jansen, and together they carved out 126 runs for the seventh wicket. The boundary count? Just 11 fours, no sixes. Pure, controlled cricket. "I see myself as an all-rounder," he said. "I try to contribute where I can—whether it’s bowling spin or batting through the day. I just try to add as much value as I can." That’s the kind of humility that makes legends.Roots That Grounded Him
Muthusamy’s family hails from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. His grandparents migrated to South Africa decades ago. He speaks Tamil at home. He carries a small photo of his grandmother in his kit bag. "Debuting in India... it meant more than just cricket," he said. "It was like coming home, even if I’d been told I didn’t belong here." The crowd in Guwahati, initially loud for India, fell silent as he reached his century. Then, slowly, a smattering of applause. Then, a roar. A man who’d once been dismissed as a fringe player was now the hero of the moment.
What’s Next? A New Chapter
This century doesn’t just secure his place in the Test side—it redefines his legacy. He’s now the first South African of Tamil descent to score a Test century against India. He’s also the first player since 2010 to follow a poor debut tour in India with a match-defining ton on a return visit. The selectors can’t ignore him now. He’s been named in the squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, and with this form, a spot in the 2027 World Test Championship final is no longer fantasy. His journey—degree, doubt, recovery, redemption—isn’t just cricket. It’s human. And in a sport often obsessed with stats, Muthusamy reminded everyone that the most important number is the one that tells you: you didn’t quit.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Senuran Muthusamy transform from a fringe player to a Test centurion?
After his forgettable 2019 India tour, Muthusamy focused on fitness, mental resilience, and technical refinement with sports scientist Cheryl Calder. He shifted from being a part-time bowler to a genuine all-rounder, excelling in first-class cricket with the Dolphins and delivering key performances in Pakistan in early 2025—11 wickets and an 89 not out—that proved his subcontinental credentials.
Why was his century in Guwahati so emotionally significant?
Muthusamy, of Tamil heritage from Nagapattinam, made his Test debut in India in 2019 and was subsequently dropped, believing he’d never return. Scoring his first Test century in the same country—against the same team—six years later, in front of a crowd that once booed his name, was a full-circle moment of personal vindication and cultural pride.
What role did his partnership with Marco Jansen play in the innings?
After Kyle Verreynne’s dismissal, Muthusamy and Jansen added 126 runs for the seventh wicket, with Jansen contributing a gritty 58. Their partnership turned the tide, allowing Muthusamy to play without pressure and pushing South Africa past 400. Jansen’s ability to rotate strike and absorb pressure was critical in letting Muthusamy reach his century.
How does this performance impact South Africa’s chances in the Test series?
South Africa now leads the two-match series 1-0 and holds a commanding 208-run lead after their first innings. Muthusamy’s century has shifted momentum decisively, putting India under pressure to respond with a strong batting effort. With South Africa’s spin attack now bolstered by his dual threat, they’re favorites to win the series and strengthen their World Test Championship position.
Is this Muthusamy’s first international century across formats?
Yes. While he scored a List A century for the Dolphins in 2022 and a T20 half-century in 2024, this 109 in Guwahati is his first century in international cricket across all formats. It’s also his highest Test score, surpassing his previous best of 89 against Pakistan earlier in 2025.
What’s next for Senuran Muthusamy?
He’s been selected for South Africa’s upcoming ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, and with his all-round form, he’s now a lock for the 2027 World Test Championship cycle. His leadership qualities and calm demeanor have also drawn praise from coach Rob Walter, who hinted at potential captaincy roles in the future if he continues this trajectory.