Kolkata, November 15, 2025 – India is on the verge of securing a memorable victory against South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, thanks to a stellar performance from Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja's impressive bowling figures of 4 for 29 have left South Africa reeling at 93 for 7 at the close of play on Day 2, holding a precarious lead of just 63 runs.
The day witnessed a dramatic collapse of the South African batting lineup, with India's spinners exploiting the deteriorating pitch conditions to their advantage. A total of 15 wickets fell on Saturday, highlighting the challenging nature of the Eden Gardens surface.
South Africa began the day with a slender lead after India were bowled out for 189 in their first innings, in response to South Africa's initial 159. KL Rahul's 39 was the highest score for India, with valuable contributions from Rishabh Pant (27) and Ravindra Jadeja (27). Simon Harmer was the pick of the South African bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 30 runs.
India resumed their innings on Day 2 at 37 for 1, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar cautiously adding 38 runs. However, South Africa struck back, claiming three wickets in the second hour of play. India's worries compounded when Shubman Gill retired hurt due to a neck spasm after scoring 4 runs.
Despite a modest first innings lead of 30 runs, India's bowlers, led by Jadeja, dismantled the South African batting order in their second innings. Jadeja's spell included the crucial wickets of Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs. Kuldeep Yadav provided excellent support, claiming 2 wickets and further stifling South Africa's progress.
Jadeja's outstanding performance not only brought India closer to victory but also saw him enter an elite club of all-rounders, joining Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, and Daniel Vettori as the only cricketers to achieve the double of 4,000 Test runs and 300 wickets. He also reached his 250th Test wicket in India.
At the end of the day's play, South Africa were struggling at 93 for 7, with Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 29. The visitors face an uphill battle to set a competitive target for India, with the pitch offering significant assistance to the spinners.
India needs just three more wickets to secure victory in this Test match. The home side will look to wrap up the match quickly on Day 3 and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. However, South Africa will aim to resist and extend the match as long as possible.
The series is significant as it marks the first Test series between the two teams on Indian soil since 2020. It is also India's final Test series until August 2026, adding further importance to the outcome. A victory in this series would boost India's chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2027.
