Kolkata, November 15, 2025 – India and South Africa are locked in a compelling first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with Day 2 poised for crucial developments. At the close of Day 1, India reached 37/1 in response to South Africa's first innings total of 159, setting the stage for KL Rahul and Washington Sundar to build a substantial lead.
The day began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat, a decision that quickly backfired as the Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated the innings. Bumrah was the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/27) that dismantled the South African batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav supported Bumrah, picking up two wickets each to ensure South Africa were bowled out in just 55 overs.
South Africa's innings started with an opening stand of 57 between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, but Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in quick succession to remove both openers. Kuldeep Yadav then took the wicket of captain Temba Bavuma. A steady partnership between Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder was broken by Yadav, who also dismissed Mulder. Siraj further exacerbated South Africa's woes by removing Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen in quick succession. Bumrah returned to dismiss Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, completing his five-wicket haul and wrapping up the South African innings.
India's reply began cautiously, but they suffered an early setback when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 12 by Marco Jansen, who chopped the ball onto his stumps. KL Rahul (13) and Washington Sundar (6) then batted cautiously to see out the remaining overs, ending the day at 37/1. Bad light forced an early finish to the day's play.
A notable move in India's batting order saw Washington Sundar promoted to No. 3, a decision made to accommodate four spinners in the playing XI. This tactical move, which saw Sai Sudharsan excluded from the team, allows India to field Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, marking the first time since 2012 that India has opted for four spinners in a Test match.
Reflecting on the day's play, Mohammed Siraj noted that the new ball came onto the bat nicely, while the older ball kept low, requiring bowlers to attack the stumps and build pressure. He also mentioned Jasprit Bumrah's advice to maintain straight lines.
Looking ahead to Day 2, India will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar at the crease. The pitch in Kolkata is proving to be testing, offering variable bounce and turn, which could make batting difficult as the match progresses. South Africa will need to bowl strategically and exploit any assistance the pitch offers to restrict India's scoring and get back into the game.
The absence of Kagiso Rabada from the South African side due to a rib injury is a significant blow. His experience and skill would have been valuable on a pitch that is expected to offer some assistance to fast bowlers. Corbin Bosch has replaced Rabada in the team.
As Day 2 unfolds, all eyes will be on KL Rahul and Washington Sundar as they look to capitalize on the platform set by India's bowlers and establish a commanding position in the Test. The match is scheduled to resume at 9:30 AM IST.
