India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 2 Highlights, Updates: Axar, Jadeja put India in command at Stumps

Axar Patel reflected on the day’s play, saying the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata has been a real gift for the bowlers. According to him, the key for batters is to capitalise on the loose deliveries, because on a track like this, it’s almost impossible to get fully set.

"The pitch is straight from one end, turning and bouncing from other. Attacking cricket needs to be played. On such tracks, you have to convert loose balls to boundaries," Axar said at the end of the day's play. 

"You can't ever be set. You know there's help for bowlers and can get carried away. We've to be aware not to do that. 125 if we restrict them to, we can chase easily," Axar added. 

And that brings an end to the day’s play. The on-field umpires brought out the Light Metre and called it off as natural light faded completely, leaving only the floodlights to battle the gloom.

It’s been a dramatic day, with 16 wickets tumbling on a pitch that clearly offered plenty for the bowlers. India hold a commanding position, but Temba Bavuma remains a thorn in their side, unbeaten on 29, determined to keep South Africa in the fight.

SCORE: South Africa (93/7, 159) lead India (189) by 63 runs. Bavuma (29*), Bosch (1*)    

WICKET!

Kuldeep Yadav strikes! Marco Jansen goes for the slog sweep but only manages a thin edge. It was a loopy length ball, coming in with a bit of cross-seam, and the ball skimmed his shirt before looping low to Rahul at first slip.

Rahul nearly let it hit the ground, fumbling at first, but a quick reflex and a small shovel of the palms seals the catch. That’s a big wicket!

Corbin Bosch walks in to join the crease.

India have squandered a review in their rush to get Kuldeep Yadav out, losing one of their three chances. The ball was an 81 km/h legbreak from over the wicket, landing on a fullish length and spinning in sharply with plenty of sidespin.

Bavuma twisted to avoid it but took a hit on the flank, yet Hawk-Eye confirms the impact was just outside off—so not out, though it was very close!

SCORE: South Africa (89/6, 159) lead India (189) by 59 runs. Bavuma (27*), Jansen (12*)    

Marco Jansen has walked out with a clear mission—hit or die! Every ball seems to be a chance for a four or six as he tries to use those long levers to get some quick runs on the board.

Meanwhile, the physio is on the field to check on Temba Bavuma, who has taken a blow on the helmet.

Axar Patel came close to a double strike in the 28th over, but Marco Jansen survived an LBW review.

First, Axar had Kyle Verreynne in trouble. A fullish-length delivery from around the wicket, Verreynne tried a slog sweep, but he missed completely and the ball rattled the middle stump. He walked back looking down, expressionless, while Bavuma and Ashwell Prince looked on calmly.

Next, Axar beat Jansen with a delivery that looked plumb, and the on-field umpire initially gave him out. But replays showed the impact was outside off stump, and the decision was overturned.

SCORE: South Africa (77/6, 159) lead India (189) by 47 runs. Bavuma (26*), Jansen (1*)    

South Africa have now lost five wickets with not much of a lead on the board, but they know one solid partnership of 50 or more could completely shift the momentum. All eyes are on Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne—how they build this ongoing partnership will be absolutely crucial.

SCORE: South Africa (68/5, 159) lead India (189) by 38 runs. Bavuma (24*), Verreynne (3*)      

WICKET!

Ravindra Jadeja strikes again, this time Tristan Stubbs has to walk back as South Africa lose half their side. Jadeja, already with four wickets, is absolutely on fire!

Stubbs tries to defend, but what a delivery! He looks behind in disbelief—his off-bail has flown clean off. That length ball on middle, angling in, completely beats his straight-bat block. And the stats team confirms—what a milestone—Jadeja’s 250th Test wicket at home!

Kyle Verreynne is the new man in, walking out to try and steady the ship for South Africa.

Temba Bavuma continues to look the most assured of the South African batters in this second innings. In the 22nd over, he pounced on a short ball from Kuldeep Yadav and pulled it away for a boundary. At the other end, Tristan Stubbs is taking his time, looking to settle himself in.

SCORE: South Africa (60/4, 159) lead India (189) by 30 runs. Bavuma (19*), Tristan Stubbs (5*)      

WICKET!

WICKET!

Ravindra Jadeja strikes again — and it’s the wicket of Wiaan Mulder, who doesn’t last long at the crease.

Jadeja got that extra bite off the surface, firing in a flatter length ball just outside off. Mulder pressed forward, but the unexpected bounce brushed his gloves. Pant reacted brilliantly, rising with the ball and completing an excellent catch.

Tony de Zorzi now walks in to join Temba Bavuma as South Africa look to steady themselves.

Jasprit Bumrah, brimming with confidence after his five-wicket haul in the first innings, has hit his rhythm straight away in the second as well. He’s charging in with purpose, the Eden Gardens crowd — 41,765 strong — roaring with every delivery. With this kind of backing and the ball doing plenty, Bumrah will be eyeing an early strike.

SCORE: South Africa (38/2, 159) lead India (189) by 8 runs. Bavuma (4*), Mulder (11*) 

The real test for South Africa begins now. With eight wickets in hand and the surface deteriorating rapidly, it will take a Herculean effort for them to set India a challenging target. Every run feels precious on this pitch.

Sai Sudharsan is out in the field as the substitute for Shubman Gill, who remains sidelined with a neck spasm.

SCORE: South Africa (31/2, 159) lead India (189) by 1 run. Bavuma (2*), Mulder (6*) 

Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are tightening the screws beautifully on the South African batters. Runs have completely dried up, with every ball gripping, turning, or bouncing in unpredictable ways.

The Proteas are under real pressure here — they have a tough job on their hands if they’re to put up anything resembling a competitive score in this second innings.

SCORE: South Africa (27/2, 159) trail India (189) by 2 runs. Bavuma (0*), Mulder (5*) 

India strike again, this time through a soft and avoidable dismissal from Aiden Markram. Jadeja darts one in quicker on middle and leg, prompting a hesitant sweep that comes awkwardly off the toe-end of the bat. The ball loops gently towards short leg, where Dhruv Jurel takes the easiest of catches, leaving Markram walking back for a scratchy 4 off 23. India firmly tighten their grip on the contest.

These runs are like gold dust on a pitch offering plenty to the bowlers, and South Africa will gladly take every bit that comes their way. Axar serves up a rare loosener down the leg side, Mulder misses the glance, but the ball brushes his thigh pad and races away fine for four leg byes. Not the most convincing way to add to the total, but invaluable in a tense, low-scoring contest.

Legendary Dale Steyn urges one of the South African batters to be brave and do a Rishabh Pant. "Be prepared to face the ridicule, but if it comes off, you can be like Pant".

"The bad balls are not going to come," he says. 

South Africa are trailing by 12 runs now. They need a lead of at least 150 to push for a win here. 

Anil Kumble urges India to operate with spin from both ends. 

This Eden Gardens pitch, which is dry, is aiding spin a lot. Not what their curator told us before the Test match. Watch Anirban's exclusive interview with curator Sujan Mukherjee. 

We are back for the final session of the day, but there is still no sign of Shubman Gill, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant leading the Indian side in his absence. The game is balanced on a knife’s edge, and the dismissal of Rickelton has nudged the momentum India’s way. The two umpires make their way to the middle, followed closely by Aiden Markram and South Africa’s No. 3, Wiaan Mulder, as the visitors resume their chase, trailing by 12 runs. Kuldeep Yadav will complete his unfinished over to get us underway.

Kuldeep Yadav bowls the final over for India ahead of tea. And he weaves his magic once again as he traps Ryan Rickleton in front of the stumps. The South African opener decides not to go for the review. India head in with the advantage but will be gutted they couldn't get a bigger lead with the bat. They will have their tails up after the break. 

SCORE: South Africa (18/1, 159) trail India (189) by 12 runs. Markram (3*), Mulder (0*) 

Ryan Rickleton is facing the heat as he survives a lbw shout first to a ball that kept low. Now one just takes off the surface and hits Rickleton's chest and goes to the boundary. The South African batter needs medical attention and looks alright at the moment. But the pitch is causing all the issues for the batters. 

SCORE: South Africa (12/0, 159) trail India (189) by 18 runs. Rickleton (7*), Markram (1*)  

The South Africa innings is underway with Jasprit Bumrah taking the ball. We have half an hour before the tea break and India will be aiming to get a couple of wickets before that. Bumrah could hold the key in that. 

SCORE: South Africa (0/0, 159) trail India (189) by 30 runs. Rickleton (0*), Markram (0*)  

Shubman Gill didn’t return to bat, and South Africa have bowled India out for 189 at the Eden Gardens. Washington Sundar was the final wicket to fall, with Simon Harmer striking again to close the innings.

Harmer was the chief destroyer, finishing with four wickets, while Marco Jansen backed him up superbly with three.

From a strong position at 75 for 1, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their remaining wickets for just 114 runs. South Africa firmly on top after a relentless bowling display.

South Africa are just one wicket away from closing out India’s innings, with Marco Jansen removing Mohammed Siraj.

A pacer’s delight, Jansen went around the wicket and delivered a seam-up length ball on off, straightening just enough to beat Siraj’s tentative defence. He covered the line but couldn’t get bat on it, and the off bail went cartwheeling. Jansen at his artistic best.

Axar Patel now carries the responsibility of squeezing every possible run out of the innings from here.

SCORE: India (187/8) lead South Africa (159) by 28 runs. Bumrah (0*), Axar (15*)    

Axar Patel now stands as India’s best chance to squeeze out some valuable runs and stretch the lead. He’s already taken on Marco Jansen, cracking a firm boundary to push India past a 20-run advantage.

Mohammed Siraj, at the other end, will need to hang in and offer as much support as he can while Axar looks to farm the strike and keep the scoreboard moving.

SCORE: India (180/7) lead South Africa (159) by 21 runs. Siraj (0*), Axar (10*)    

WICKET!

Simon Harmer strikes again — and this time it’s the huge wicket of Ravindra Jadeja, who falls for a gritty 27 off 45 balls.

Massive appeal for lbw, and after a long look the umpire raises the finger. Jadeja sends it upstairs, but the moment the first replay appears, he starts walking — clear indication he knew he was in trouble. Pad first, ball straightening… South Africa land a vital blow.

Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have a big job on their hands as they look to take India’s lead into safer territory. The scoring rate has been healthy, but the regular fall of wickets has ensured South Africa remain right in the contest.

The Proteas will be keen to tighten things up and prevent India from stretching the advantage, while the two left-handers focus on settling in and stitching together a steady, valuable stand.

SCORE: India (169/5) lead South Africa (159) by 10 runs. Jadeja (26*), Axar (2*)  

India have moved into the lead with five wickets still in hand. South Africa have done well to pick up a couple of quick wickets and keep the pressure on, but India will feel they’re still placed reasonably well in this contest.

Following Jurel’s dismissal, Axar Patel has joined Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, and the two left-handers now look to stretch the advantage further.

SCORE: India (164/5) lead South Africa (159) by 5 runs. Jadeja (23*), Axar (1*)

WICKET

Simon Harmer provides the breakthrough, removing Dhruv Jurel for 14 just as he was beginning to look settled.

Jurel chipped a return catch straight back to Harmer, who dived low to his right and claimed what looked like a fine catch. The umpires sent it upstairs, but the replays showed Harmer’s fingers cleanly under the ball. Out confirmed.

It was a gently tossed-up delivery around off, Jurel beaten in the air and ending up pushing it tamely back. South Africa continue to hang in with crucial wickets at key moments.

Dhruv Jurel has come out firing after the lunch break, taking on Corbin Bosch straightaway and collecting two crisp boundaries in an over that went for 10 runs.

First four: Bosch went back of a length outside off, and Jurel handled it superbly — riding the bounce and punching it to the left of backward point for a classy boundary.

Next ball, Bosch overpitched outside off, and Jurel was all over it, striding into a full-blooded cover drive that raced away to the fence.

SCORE: India (148/4) trail South Africa (159) by 21 runs. Jadeja (12*), Jurel (14*)

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has opened up on the franchise’s big decision to trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in order to bring in Sanju Samson. The move, which had been brewing for a few weeks, was officially sealed on November 15, with Samson joining Chennai for ₹18 crore.

Jadeja heads to RR for ₹14 crore, signing off as one of CSK’s most decorated players — 12 seasons, three IPL titles, and even a stint as captain in 2022.

In an official CSK video, Viswanathan explained that the team was in urgent need of a top-order batter, and with the trade window open, they felt Samson was the right fit to strengthen the squad moving forward.

Huge news from the IPL — the Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja swap deal between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals has now been confirmed. Rajasthan will receive Jadeja along with England all-rounder Sam Curran, while Sanju Samson is set to join CSK ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

This is one of the biggest trade moves the league has seen in years. Samson heads to Chennai for ₹18 crore, and Jadeja returns to Rajasthan for ₹14 crore.

A major shake-up for CSK, who’ve endured two tough seasons without making the playoffs, battling an ageing middle order, limited power-hitting, and a spin attack that hasn’t been its old dominant self.

India have added 101 runs in 25 overs and will feel they still have their noses slightly ahead. The second hour wasn’t ideal — three wickets falling for 63 — but with Jadeja and Jurel still battling, they’ll be aiming for a lead of at least 50 to strengthen their position. The surface is only deteriorating further, with the spinners making batting increasingly difficult.

SCORE: India (138/4) trail South Africa (159) by 21 runs. Jadeja (11*), Jurel (5*)

Just what India didn't need as Corbin Bosch has taken the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant, who made 27 off 24. 

A sharp 136 kph bumper fired in from around the wicket, and Pant was rushed for pace. He tried to use the angle and help the pull fine, but he had no room — his arms cramped up, the elbows jammed, and the ball ballooned off the glove or splice. The keeper moved swiftly to his right and completed a simple catch.

A huge moment for South Africa just at the stroke of Lunch 

Dhruv Jurel is the new batter in the middle. 

Ravindra Jadeja brings up 4000 Test runs — a monumental milestone. With this, he becomes only the fourth cricketer in history to achieve the elite double of 4000 runs and 300-plus wickets. The only others to do it: Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori. A truly elite club, and Jadeja has earned his place in it.

Rishabh Pant has now gone past Virender Sehwag to hold the record for the most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket. Sehwag’s tally of 91 has been eclipsed with a towering hit over long-on off Keshav Maharaj — a truly fitting strike for the milestone.

Pant wasn’t done there. He followed up the record-breaking blow with a deft reverse sweep, guiding the ball through third man for four. Classic Pant — power and innovation in the space of two balls.

SCORE: India (131/3) trail South Africa (159) by 28 runs. Jadeja (9*), Pant (27*)

Ravindra Jadeja has joined KL Rahul in the middle and wasted no time getting going, cracking a boundary off Simon Harmer to start his innings.

Despite that positive stroke, the Proteas will feel they’re just a couple of quick wickets away from swinging the momentum firmly back in their favour.

SCORE: India (114/3) trail South Africa (159) by 45 runs. Jadeja (4*), Pant (15*)

Shubman Gill has retired hurt with a neck spasm. He walked out with clear intent and even struck a crisp boundary, but the discomfort proved too much for him to continue. India will be hoping the issue is minor and that their captain can return to bat later in the innings.

Rishabh Pant now walks in — his first appearance since the Manchester Test, where he picked up a foot injury attempting a reverse scoop off Chris Woakes. The crowd senses the moment as Pant takes guard once again.

SCORE: India (79/2) trail South Africa (159) by 80 runs. Rahul (27*), Pant (0*).   

Shubman Gill is the new man in and he begins his innings in style, cracking an audacious boundary off Harmer. However, there’s a bit of concern for India as Gill appears to have picked up a neck spasm. The physio is out in the middle attending to him, and India will be hoping their captain is fit to continue without any trouble.

WICKET!

Simon Harmer has taken the crucial wicket of Washington Sundar

First ball of the 35th over, Harmer went past Sundar’s outside edge with a beauty. Next delivery, he got his man. Harmer floated one around off stump, and Sundar pushed at it tentatively, only to nick it. Aiden Markram at first slip juggled it, but managed to cling on at the second attempt.

Sundar scored 29 off 82 balls with 2 fours and 1 six 

DRINKS!

India will be pleased with the solid start they've made on Day 2. Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 3, has looked composed and confident at the crease.

Just before the break, he produced a superb lofted inside-out shot over the covers off Keshav Maharaj, timing it beautifully to send it sailing for six.

SCORE: India (75/1) trail South Africa (159) by 184 runs. Rahul (27*), Sundar (29*)

Washington Sundar and KL Rahul are still taking their time, settling in with cautious stroke play. Maharaj and Jansen have maintained disciplined lines and lengths, keeping things tight, but South Africa will be desperate for a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the fifty partnership comes up as Washington Sundar clips Maharaj through the on-side for a boundary.

SCORE: India (68/1) trail South Africa (159) by 91 runs. Rahul (27*), Sundar (22*)

A cut shot from KL Rahul but it lacked conviction. The uneven bounce played a part in that but Rahul gets a boundary after 39 balls. Is this a statement of intent from the Indian opener, who will look to accelerate after a period of silence. Sundar has been calm at the other end and hasn't been ruffled by the task at No.3. 

 SCORE: India (56/1) trail South Africa (159) by 103 runs. Rahul (26*), Sundar (12*).   

The light roller was used before the day's play and the pitch continues to play its tricks. There is uneven bounce and both Rahul and Sundar are being conservative in their approach towards things. Rahul got hit on the arm by Jansen, but it seems like he has shaken it off and is continuing to motor along. 

SCORE: India (46/1) trail South Africa (159) by 113 runs. Rahul (18*), Sundar (10*).   

A lucky edge for KL Rahul, but he will take that as the ball goes to the boundary. That helps him reach the 4000-run mark as he is now the highest run-getter in the current lineup. The maturity of Rahul is on full show since he took up the opener's role and made it his own as he negates the tricky over. 

SCORE: India (41/1) trail South Africa (159) by 118 runs. Rahul (17*), Sundar (8*). 

Marco Jansen has the ball for South Africa, with KL Rahul taking strike for India. It's a hazy morning as expected at the Eden Gardens. 

SCORE: India (37/1) trail South Africa (159) by 122 runs. Rahul (13*), Sundar (8*). 

The players are having a go ahead of the day's play with special focus on KL Rahul and Washington Sundar. Both men saw off a tricky phase on Day 1 but on Saturday, it will be all about getting off to a flyer. Sundar will be under most scrutiny coming in at No.3 but he has shown that he can hang himself well with the bat in England. 

South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince has played down the controversy over Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s stump-mic comment directed at Proteas captain Temba Bavuma during the opening day of the first Test at Eden Gardens. The remark, heard during a leg-before appeal, was interpreted by some as a taunt about Bavuma’s height. Prince made it clear that the South African team would not be pursuing the matter further and is not lodging any formal complaint regarding the incident.

"No, there will be no discussion. It's the first time, obviously, it's come to my attention. I don't think there'll be any issues with what's happened out in the middle," firmly indicating that the South African camp does not consider the incident significant.  (READ)

The big blow for South Africa ahead of the Kolkata Test was losing Kagiso Rabada due to a rib injury. The pacer would have loved using the pitch at Eden Gardens after seeing the success that Jasprit Bumrah got. 

"So KG (Kagiso Rabada) sustained the injury during the first training session on Tuesday, then he underwent a scan on Wednesday morning, and then underwent a fitness test this morning and was experiencing discomfort and then was ultimately ruled out of the game," the team media manager told PTI.

The manager also said that Rabada's participation for the second Test is also in doubt. 

"He's still undergoing further assessments with the medical team."

First off, there will be no rain coming into play. However, having said that, the game was stopped early on Friday due to bad light. Accuweather is saying to expect a rather hazy morning with the sunset expected at 4:53 PM. If that is the case, we may be in for another ealry end to play in Kolkata. 

The player of the day was undoubtedly Jasprit Bumrah. He was showing a bit of fatigue in recent assignments with his radar being wayward during the West Indies Tests and Australia T20Is. But on Day 1, he broke the back of the South African batting order, first by dismissing both openers and then cleaning up the tail. 

“In Test cricket, if you need success, you need to be patient,” Bumrah said after becoming the first fast bowler since Dale Steyn in 2006 to take a five-wicket haul with the red ball on Day 1 of a Test match in India.

“Especially on these pitches. Here, the outfield is quite fast and the wicket is hard. If you are very desperate here and try to bowl magic balls, you can be at risk of leaking runs,” he said, explaining what was required to succeed on a tricky Eden Gardens pitch.

“You have to control your temptations. You need to assess the run-scoring options for the opposition batter. Every ball won’t do magic here. There are some deliveries that cause trouble to the batters. You need to consistently bowl in good areas to get rewards. In Test cricket, your ability to remain patient will be tested. Only in a few matches will you get 6–7 wickets in heaps. In the majority, you need to keep bowling well. Sometimes you won’t get wickets even when you’re bowling well. But if you keep working hard, you will have days when wickets come.”

The opening day of the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens firmly belonged to Jasprit Bumrah. Coming into the series under scrutiny after a flat outing in the previous assignments, the Indian spearhead roared back to prime form on Friday, November 15, delivering a masterclass that left South Africa rattled and the Kolkata crowd buzzing. By stumps, his five-wicket haul had not only crippled the visitors but also reminded everyone of his uncanny ability to turn the mood of an entire match the moment he had the ball in hand.

India’s attack initially looked uncertain despite the curators promising a “sporting” pitch. But with significant spin and even reverse swing emerging on the very first day, questions will undoubtedly be asked of the surface. While Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were taken apart by the openers, everything changed the moment Bumrah took the ball. The energy shifted instantly. His lengths were fuller, his angles sharper, and his late movement suffocating. South Africa, from a strong start, collapsed to 159 all out—a harsh unravelling engineered almost single-handedly by the Indian quick.

India’s response with the bat included a surprise early twist. After Yashasvi Jaiswal chopped on for 12, Washington Sundar—not Gill or Shreyas Iyer—walked out at No. 3. It felt unusual at first glance, yet the move is grounded in logic: Sundar has quietly built a strong first-class record in that position, scoring 171 runs in four innings with a top score of 152. His calmness against the new ball and natural discipline were evident as he settled into his role, suggesting India’s think-tank had planned this with purpose.

While South Africa underperformed with the bat, their bowlers mounted a far better fight. Without Kagiso Rabada—their injured pace spearhead—Marco Jansen led the charge with venom and discipline. He hit the deck hard, attacked consistently, and eventually dismissed Jaiswal with a sharp nip-backer that cramped the left-hander for room. Jansen’s intensity ensured India never felt fully comfortable, keeping the contest alive even after a disappointing batting display. (FULL REPORT)