• Ravindra Jadeja's bowling brilliance has put India in commanding position on Day 2 of first Test against South Africa.

  • With bad light forcing early stumps, the visitors face an uphill battle to stay alive in the contest.

Fans erupt as Ravindra Jadeja’s 4-fer puts India in control on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa
Ravindra Jadeja puts India on top in first Test (Image Source: X)

Day 2 of the India–South Africa first Test at Eden Gardens turned into yet another chapter dominated by bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja spearheading India’s charge. The left-arm all-rounder produced a brilliant bowling performance to leave South Africa effectively tottering at 63 for 7 in their second innings. With bad light forcing early stumps, the visitors face an uphill battle to stay alive in the contest.

India’s morning stabilised but wickets always around the corner

India resumed day two on 37 for 1, hoping to stretch their advantage on a surface that continued to challenge the batters. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar began cautiously, navigating the morning session with composure. Their partnership took India to 75, offering a sense of stability. Yet, as the pattern of this Test had already suggested, every batter was just one good delivery away from trouble.

Simon Harmer’s introduction into the attack brought immediate impact. His first ball zipped past Sundar’s defence, and the very next delivery trapped the left-hander, breaking the stand that had looked India’s most assured of the innings. Shubman Gill arrived with intent, launching a slog-sweep early, but the aggressive stroke resulted in a neck spasm that forced him out for the rest of the day.

Rahul continued to fight hard, top-scoring with 39, while Rishabh Pant and Jadeja chipped in with valuable twenties. Still, India struggled to build a commanding total as the pitch offered unpredictable bounce for pacers and sharp turn for spinners. Every over seemed to hold a wicket-taking delivery, and India eventually folded without running away with the game.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja equals Kapil Dev’s monumental record on Day 2 of first Test

Ravindra Jadeja leads India’s spin assault as South Africa crumble

If batting was difficult in the first innings, South Africa soon discovered that their second outing would be even more treacherous. Jadeja, operating with relentless accuracy, unravelled the visitors’ lineup with a masterclass in control and deception. His 4/29 stood out not just for the number of wickets but for the timing of them—each breakthrough dragging South Africa deeper into trouble.

Kuldeep Yadav complemented him beautifully from the other end. His spell of 2/12 added to the pressure, consistently beating the bat and extracting sharp turn from the surface. The duo combined to exploit every crack, every hint of rough, and every moment of indecision from the batters. South Africa’s collapse was swift and dramatic, leaving them effectively 63 for 7, barely hanging on as stumps approached.

With just four minutes left on the clock, the umpires gathered for a light reading and decided conditions had deteriorated enough to call off the day’s proceedings. The decision confirmed what was already evident—another day thoroughly dominated by the bowlers. As the teams walked off, India stood firmly in control, poised to push for victory on Day 3 unless South Africa find an unlikely resurgence.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH – IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja cleans up Tristan Stubbs with a ripper to pick his 250th Test wicket on home soil

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