Kolkata, November 14, 2025 - Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance headlined the first day of the Test match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, as his five-wicket haul helped India bundle out the visitors for a mere 159. After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat, but the decision soon proved to be ill-fated as the Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, made early inroads.

The South African innings began positively, with openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram putting on a 50-run partnership. However, Jasprit Bumrah struck in his sixth over, removing Rickelton and Markram in quick succession, shifting the momentum in India's favor. Rickelton was removed with a brilliant delivery, while Markram was caught behind by Rishabh Pant.

Kuldeep Yadav further compounded South Africa's woes by dismissing captain Temba Bavuma, leaving the visitors reeling at 71 for 3. Despite attempts to stabilize the innings, South Africa continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Mohammed Siraj joined the attack, dismissing Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen in the same over to further expose the South African middle order.

After lunch, India maintained their dominance, with Kuldeep Yadav striking again to remove Wiaan Mulder. Bumrah continued his impressive spell, claiming the crucial wicket of Tony de Zorzi. Axar Patel, making a comeback to the Test side, also contributed by dismissing Corbin Bosch just before tea, tightening India's grip on the match.

Bumrah wrapped up the South African innings by dismissing Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, completing his five-wicket haul. This was Bumrah's 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, equaling Bhagwat Chandrasekhar on the list of Indian cricketers with the most Test fifers. Only Ravichandran Ashwin (37), Anil Kumble (35), Harbhajan Singh (25), and Kapil Dev (23) have more Test fifers than Bumrah. His final figures were an impressive 5 for 27.

Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi were the joint top scorers for South Africa. The South African batting lineup struggled against the disciplined Indian bowling attack, losing wickets at regular intervals after a promising start.

At the end of the day, India began their reply cautiously, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal facing a hostile opening burst from Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder. However, Jaiswal fell early, dismissed by Jansen for 12, leaving India at 18 for 1.

Jasprit Bumrah's performance was particularly significant as he became the first Indian pacer since Ishant Sharma in 2019 to take a five-for on the opening day of a Test match in India. His five-wicket haul is also the third-best bowling figure by an Indian pacer against South Africa in home Tests.

With South Africa bundled out for 159 and India off to a cautious start, the match is poised intriguingly. India will aim to build a substantial lead, while South Africa will look to strike back with early wickets and put pressure on the Indian batting lineup.