India tightened their grip on the first Test at Eden Gardens on Friday as South Africa collapsed dramatically to 93 for 7 by stumps on Day 2. A relentless three-pronged spin assault from Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel shredded the visitors’ second innings and left them clinging to a precarious 63-run lead, with defeat looming large.
Jadeja’s four-for breaks South Africa’s spine
Ravindra Jadeja was the architect of South Africa’s downfall, delivering a spell that exploited every ounce of bite in the pitch. The surface had grown increasingly unpredictable through the afternoon, and Jadeja’s precision made survival a challenge. His figures of 4 for 29 captured only part of the impact; he consistently beat batters on length, induced rash strokes and forced them into a defensive shell.
Aiden Markram was the first to fall, undone early by sharp turn. Wiaan Mulder then succumbed to a ball that kicked up awkwardly, leaving him little room for manoeuvre. Tony de Zorzi attempted a counterattack but lasted only a few deliveries before Jadeja dismissed him. Tristan Stubbs followed soon after, leaving South Africa sinking rapidly at 48 for 4.
Kuldeep and Axar keep the collapse rolling
Kuldeep Yadav applied pressure from the other end with clever variations, picking up crucial wickets and ensuring no South African batter felt settled. His dismissal of Marco Jansen — courtesy of a sharp catch by KL Rahul — was a telling moment, further deflating the visitors as they attempted to rebuild.
Axar Patel, bowling from the tougher end of the pitch, maintained tight lines and forced the batters into survival mode. His spell included the dismissal of David Bedingham and nearly trapped Marco Jansen LBW before a review saved the batter. Despite minimal turn from his end, Axar kept South Africa pinned down, conceding almost nothing and creating chokehold pressure.
Bavuma’s bruising battle and brief resistance
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma tried to hold the innings together but endured a tense period at the crease. He survived two LBW reviews, escaped a leading edge that narrowly missed the stumps, and even took a blow to the helmet while attempting a sweep against Jadeja. While he displayed determination, runs remained hard to come by.
Marco Jansen provided the lone moment of defiance with a clean six over mid-on off Axar — South Africa’s first of the innings — but his brief counterattack ended quickly as the visitors slid further into trouble.
India’s first innings: South Africa strike back before spinners steal the show
Earlier in the day, India were bowled out for 189, taking a slender first-innings lead of 30 runs. South African bowlers Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer were outstanding, sharing seven wickets between them and exposing India’s vulnerability on a deteriorating pitch.
KL Rahul’s composed 39 stood out as the most valuable contribution for India, while Rishabh Pant and Jadeja provided brief support. Although India momentarily lost momentum, the advantage South Africa gained by bowling out the hosts evaporated the moment their top order returned to the crease.
Spinners run riot as South Africa unravel again
With the pitch turning square and varying in bounce, India’s spinners took full control. Over after over, Jadeja, Kuldeep and Axar applied relentless pressure, choking the scoring and forcing mistakes. Runs dried up, defensive footwork began to falter, and panic set in across the South African lineup.
By the time bad light forced an early close, the visitors were teetering at 93/7, having batted only 35 overs. The umpires halted play after repeated light readings, bringing an end to a day thoroughly dominated by India.
India eye a swift finish on Day 3
India now require just three more wickets to wrap up South Africa’s innings. With Axar Patel noting that a target under 125 runs would be “chaseable” on this tricky surface, the hosts are positioned strongly to complete a comfortable victory.
The pitch is expected to deteriorate further, making batting more challenging. If India’s bowlers continue with the same intensity, South Africa face an uphill climb to stretch their lead to a competitive total.
Conclusion
At the end of Day 2, India stand on the brink of going 1–0 up in the series. With South Africa trailing on confidence, struggling for partnerships and running out of recognised batters, the hosts are well placed to seal the match early on Day 3. Only a miracle stand can save the Proteas from a looming defeat.