Shubman Gill’s toss troubles continued at Eden Gardens, but the India captain responded with a cheeky declaration of confidence—he’s saving his toss-winning luck for the World Test Championship final. After losing the flip for the seventh time in eight Tests as captain, Gill quipped to presenter Ravi Shastri: “I think the only toss that I’m going to win is hopefully in the WTC final”.​

Toss Woes Continue

Gill has now lost seven of eight tosses since taking over Test captaincy. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won the flip and elected to bat first—marking the first toss South Africa had won in India in eight Tests since 2015. Their last toss victory at Eden Gardens came way back in 2010.​

When Shastri noted, “Shubman, your luck with the toss just continues. It is becoming a habit,” Gill responded with characteristic swagger, assuring fans that India will reach the WTC final.​

Confident Despite the Setback

Despite his dismal toss record, Gill remained upbeat about India’s chances. “Looks like a good surface. There’s a bit in it for the fast bowlers. Dressing room is good. This bunch is very hungry. This Test series is very important. There’ll be some turn as the game goes on,” Gill said at the toss.​

The 26-year-old emphasized the team’s determination. “The dressing room is pretty amazing. This Test bunch is very hungry and is always determined to perform every time we come out. These two Test matches for us are very crucial and we’re as hungry as ever,” he added.​

India Dominate Day One

Gill’s confidence proved well-founded as India seized control despite being asked to bowl first. Jasprit Bumrah’s sensational 5/27 demolished South Africa for just 159, with the visitors collapsing from 57/0 to lose all 10 wickets for 102 runs.​

Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each, while Axar Patel claimed one as India’s bowlers exploited the two-paced Eden Gardens surface.​

India’s Reply

By stumps, India reached 37/1 in 20 overs, trailing by 122 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply for 12, dragging Marco Jansen onto his stumps, but KL Rahul (13 not out) and Washington Sundar (6 not out) batted cautiously through bad light to ensure no further damage.​

The pair added 19 runs in an unbroken second-wicket stand on a surface showing variable bounce, leaving India firmly in control after an outstanding first day.​

WTC Final Ambitions

Gill’s quip reveals the team’s burning ambition to finally win the WTC title—the only major trophy missing from India’s cabinet. India reached the finals in both previous WTC cycles but fell short each time. They were on track for the third final in the last cycle before a heavy loss to Australia crushed their hopes.​

Currently sitting third in the WTC standings with four wins in seven matches, India know these two Tests against South Africa are crucial for their qualification chances. The comment reflects how seriously the dressing room views the WTC crown.​

Bumrah’s Brilliance Steals the Show

While Gill provided the entertainment at the toss, Bumrah dominated proceedings on the field. His 16th Test five-wicket haul—and first at Eden Gardens—came on a pitch prepared for spinners, where India fielded four slow bowlers for the first time since 2012.​

The 35,000-strong Eden Gardens crowd roared for Bumrah throughout, especially during his fiery post-tea burst when he cleaned up the tail with a searing yorker to Keshav Maharaj and a delivery that rattled Simon Harmer’s stumps.​