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India Smell Victory After 15-Wicket Day at Eden Gardens
Led by Jadeja’s spin, South Africa reduced to 63 for 7 in second innings

Kolkata, November 15, 2025: India moved tantalizingly close to victory on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, having claimed 15 wickets in a dramatic session on a pitch that defied expectations.

Starting the day 122 runs behind with nine wickets in hand, India’s batsmen showed glimpses of control before Ravindra Jadeja’s masterful spin and support from Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the South African batting lineup. By the close, South Africa were 93 for 7 in their second innings, effectively trailing India by just 63 runs with three days left in the Test.

A pitch that punished batsmen

The Eden Gardens surface, expected to support batting for at least the first two days, turned treacherous after the opening session. The top layer began to deteriorate late on day one, and by day two it became almost unplayable. Fast bowlers also found assistance, taking 11 of the 26 wickets that fell across both innings. Commentator Dinesh Karthik noted that the pitch had not been watered before the match—a rare occurrence that contributed to the uneven bounce and turn.

Jadeja’s spin brilliance

Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the star of the day, taking 4 for 29 in an unbroken spell. His ability to bowl at a deceptively high pace while maintaining sharp turn left the South African batters scrambling. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also contributed, while Bumrah exploited the odd bounce with his pace.

South Africa’s Simon Harmer impressed with 4 for 30 in India’s first innings, showing how much his bowling had matured over the decade since his last India tour. Marco Jansen also proved effective, taking 3 wickets and keeping South Africa alive in the match despite the collapse.

Batsmen struggle in tough conditions

India’s batting showed grit but also vulnerability. KL Rahul top-scored with 39, while Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck spasm. Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, and Jadeja offered resistance, but wickets fell in clusters due to the unpredictable turn and bounce. Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 29, but his side faces a huge task to salvage the match.

Looking ahead

With three days remaining, India is in a commanding position. If the pitch continues to deteriorate, spin-friendly conditions will likely make batting extremely difficult, giving India a strong chance to wrap up the Test.

Score Summary:
'' South Africa: 159 & 93/7 (Bavuma 29'', Jadeja 4-29)
* India: 189 (Rahul 39, Harmer 4-30, Jansen 3-35)
* Lead: India by 63 runs

Gist: India seized control at Eden Gardens with a 15-wicket day, leaving South Africa reeling on a turning, unpredictable pitch.

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