Kolkata, November 14, 2025 - Jasprit Bumrah's sensational spell of fast bowling dismantled world champions South Africa on the first day of the first Test at Eden Gardens. Bumrah's efforts helped India dominate the opening day, bowling out South Africa for a mere 159 runs.
South Africa, after winning the toss and electing to bat, got off to a positive start, reaching 57/0. However, Bumrah struck back, dismissing both openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, in quick succession. Markram, who top-scored for the Proteas, made 31 before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Rickelton contributed 23 before losing his wicket to Bumrah.
The South African middle and lower order struggled against the relentless Indian bowling attack. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel picked up crucial wickets to maintain the pressure. Yadav accounted for Wiaan Mulder, while Siraj removed Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen in successive deliveries.
Bumrah's exceptional performance saw him finish with figures of 5/27 in 14 overs, including five maidens. This marked his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. With this, Bumrah surpassed Mohammed Shami's Test wicket tally and also broke a 17-year-old record to become the first Indian pacer since Ishant Sharma in 2019 to take a five-wicket haul on the opening day of a Test in India. He also became the Asian fast bowler with the most five-wicket hauls against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) nations in Test cricket history.
Other contributions came from Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, who picked up two wickets each. Axar Patel also contributed with a wicket.
At the end of the day's play, India stood at 37/1, trailing by 122 runs. However, India suffered an early blow, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal to Marco Jansen. KL Rahul (13) and Washington Sundar (6) were at the crease, hoping to build a strong partnership on Day 2.
The Eden Gardens pitch is reportedly pace-friendly, but India opted to include four spinners in their playing XI.
Brief scores:
South Africa 159 all out in 55 overs (Aiden Markram 31, Ryan Rickelton 23; Jasprit Bumrah 5/27, Kuldeep Yadav 2/27, Mohammed Siraj 2/36) India 37/1 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 13, Washington Sundar 6; Marco Jansen 1/12)
