South Africa capitalized on a challenging pitch to secure three crucial wickets in the first session of the second day of the first Test against India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. By lunch, the hosts found themselves in a precarious position at 138-4, trailing South Africa’s first innings total by 21 runs.
The morning session proved particularly difficult for India as skipper Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt, intensifying the pressure on the batting lineup. The team’s struggle came in stark contrast to the previous day’s play, where South Africa was bowled out for just 159 runs. Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in that innings, claiming five wickets for 27 runs, which significantly weakened the South African batting order.
As the match unfolds, India’s batting lineup must regroup to overcome the early setbacks. The conditions at Eden Gardens are becoming increasingly challenging, with the pitch showing signs of deterioration. This development could further complicate India’s efforts to recover in the match.
With the first Test still in its early stages, both teams will be keen to gain the upper hand. South Africa’s bowlers will look to maintain their momentum, while India’s remaining batsmen must focus on building partnerships and stabilizing the innings. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams as they vie for supremacy in the series.
As the players return for the afternoon session, all eyes will be on the Indian batsmen to see if they can turn the tide and put South Africa’s bowlers under pressure. The stakes are high, and every run counts in this tightly contested match.
