Jasprit Bumrah produced a masterclass at Eden Gardens, ripping through South Africa with figures of 5/27 as India dominated the opening day of the first Test. The world champions collapsed from a commanding 57 for no loss to 159 all out, giving India complete control despite fielding four spinners.​

Bumrah’s Magic on Dry Pitch

On a surface that prompted India to field four spinners for the first time since 2012, it was the pace spearhead who stole the show with his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests. Bowling with control and precision, Bumrah returned figures of 14-2-27-5, dismissing both openers and cleaning up the tail with reverse swing.​

South Africa crashed from 57/0 in 10 overs to lose all 10 wickets for just 102 runs in the next 45 overs, their innings lasting just four hours and 13 minutes after winning the toss and electing to bat.​

The Opening Stand Collapse

Openers Aiden Markram (31 off 48 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (23 off 22 balls) gave South Africa a brisk start, reaching 57 without loss. Markram, after 23 dot balls, opened up with a straight drive and cover drive, later punishing Axar Patel for boundaries and launching him for a wristy six over midwicket.​

But just before the drinks break, Bumrah turned the morning on its head with two wickets in five balls. A 140 kmph delivery straightened late to uproot Rickelton’s off stump, and minutes later a short-of-length ball leapt spitefully to take Markram’s glove—the contrast summing up the pitch’s variable bounce.​

Supporting Cast Delivers

Mohammed Siraj, after leaking 34 runs in his first six overs, delivered a sharp twin strike in the second session, removing Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen in four balls. Siraj finished with 2/47, proving his value after an inconsistent start.​

Kuldeep Yadav (2/29) chipped in with the key wicket of captain Temba Bavuma, snared smartly at leg slip by Dhruv Jurel, and later removed Wiaan Mulder (24) who attempted a reverse sweep and was trapped lbw. Axar Patel (1/21) got rid of Corbin Bosch at tea as India maintained relentless pressure.​

Historic Low Total

South Africa’s 159 is their second-lowest total after a fifty-plus opening stand in men’s Tests since readmission. The lowest remains 130 in their second innings at Cape Town in 2018, also against India after a 52-run opening partnership.​

India’s Cautious Reply

India ended the day at 37/1 in 20 overs, with KL Rahul (13 off 59 balls) and Washington Sundar (6 off 38 balls) steady at the crease after Yashasvi Jaiswal (12) dragged Marco Jansen onto his stumps. The pair looked in no hurry on a pitch offering spice and variable bounce, cutting the deficit to 122 runs before a sizeable Eden Gardens crowd of over 36,000.​

As light faded, South Africa crowded the bat with close-in fielders and used five bowlers, but Rahul and Sundar stayed calm, seeing out the final overs without further damage.​

Bumrah’s Post-Match Assessment

After his stellar performance, Bumrah emphasized patience over trying magic deliveries. “Especially on these pitches, 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 explained.​

“Yes, this pitch has a bit of help. It’s not a dead wicket. But you need to be patient. If you’re off the mark, run-scoring can be quick. If you’re not disciplined, you will pay the price,” he added.​

Rabada’s Absence Hurts

South Africa sorely missed lead pacer Kagiso Rabada, ruled out with a rib injury sustained during training. His absence left Marco Jansen and debutant Corbin Bosch to carry the pace attack—a task that proved insufficient against India’s batting depth.​

With India trailing by just 122 runs and nine wickets in hand, they’re firmly in the driver’s seat heading into day two.