Post by : Maya Rahman

India encountered significant setbacks on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. By the lunch interval, the home team was at 138-4, with South Africa claiming three wickets during the first session. Adding to India's troubles, captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after a neck injury while playing a shot.

South Africa, having scored 159 in its first innings on the opening day, faced Jasprit Bumrah's stellar bowling performance, who claimed 5-27. Despite this strong bowling effort, India struggled to establish a solid top order on a challenging pitch.

K.L. Rahul and Washington Sundar began the day with India at 37-1. The duo approached the game with caution, accumulating 38 runs across 14 overs in the first hour. The pitch remained supportive, allowing them to build runs steadily. Ravindra Jadeja, not out on 11, and Dhruv Jurel, with 5, were present at the crease as lunch approached.

Post the drinks interval, South Africa surged back into contention. Sundar, who managed 29 runs from 82 balls, fell to Simon Harmer, caught at slip. Shortly after, Shubman Gill retired hurt after just three deliveries due to a neck issue sustained during his innings.

India's 100 came in the 38th over but was swiftly followed by K.L. Rahul's dismissal. He was caught at slip by Aiden Markram off Keshav Maharaj after scoring 39 from 119 balls, with four fours and one six. Rishabh Pant, despite an early scare, went on to score 27 off 24 deliveries, hitting two sixes.

Given that South Africa hasn’t secured a Test win in India for 15 years, these early wickets play a crucial role in setting the match's tone. Maharaj celebrated his first Test wicket in India, nearly adding another had Markram held on to an early edge from Pant.

The second Test of this series is scheduled to commence on November 22 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, which will host its inaugural men's Test after hosting multiple fixtures during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. India recently concluded a victorious 2-0 series against the West Indies, aided by left-arm wrist spinner Yadav's 12 wickets, while South Africa concluded a competitive two-Test series in Pakistan with a 1-1 draw.

India exhibited initial promise but lost pivotal wickets, including their captain Shubman Gill. They must now regroup as South Africa's robust bowling performance intensifies pressure on the hosts during this first Test at Eden Gardens.

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