India Struggle on Day Two as South Africa Takes Three Wickets

India faced early difficulties on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. By lunch, the hosts were 138-4, with South Africa taking three wickets in the first session. Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, also retired hurt, adding to India’s problems on a pitch that was increasingly challenging.

South Africa had been bowled out for 159 in its first innings on the opening day. Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India, taking an impressive 5-27. Despite this strong bowling effort, India struggled with its top order on a difficult wicket on day two.

K.L. Rahul and Washington Sundar started the day on 37-1. They played carefully, adding 38 runs in 14 overs in the first hour. The pitch was still hard, allowing them to score at a reasonable rate. Ravindra Jadeja, on 11 not out, and Dhruv Jurel, on 5, were at the crease by the lunch break.

After the drinks break, South Africa made a strong comeback. Sundar was the first to fall, caught at slip off Simon Harmer after scoring 29 runs off 82 balls, including two fours and a six. Soon after, Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing just three deliveries due to a neck injury he felt while hitting a boundary.

India’s 100-run milestone came in the 38th over, but K.L. Rahul was soon caught at slip by Aiden Markram off Keshav Maharaj, scoring 39 off 119 balls with four fours and a six. Rishabh Pant survived a chance early in his innings but went on to score 27 off 24 balls, including two sixes in his aggressive style.

South Africa has not won a Test in India in 15 years, making their early wickets crucial in setting the tone for this match. Maharaj took his first Test wicket in India and could have taken another if Markram had held onto an early sharp edge from Pant.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to start on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. This venue, which hosted multiple matches in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, will host a men’s Test for the first time. India recently defeated West Indies 2-0, with left-arm wrist spinner Yadav taking 12 wickets, while South Africa drew a two-Test series 1-1 in Pakistan.

India showed early promise but lost key wickets, including their captain Shubman Gill, and will need to rebuild their innings. South Africa’s strong bowling and tactical fielding have put the hosts under pressure as the first Test continues at Eden Gardens.