The first Test match between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens concluded in a dramatic fashion, with the touring Proteas sealing a memorable 30-run victory in a fierce, low-scoring encounter that lasted just over two days.
Despite taking a slender 30-run first-innings lead, India’s batting unit collapsed spectacularly in the second innings, managing just 93 runs as South Africa’s spinners capitalized on the turning pitch.
The Spin Demolition
The match was defined by the relentless pressure exerted by the bowlers:
- South Africa’s First Innings (159): Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding five-wicket haul, contributions from Aiden Markram (31) and Wiaan Mulder (24) were crucial.
- India’s First Innings (189): India gained the lead thanks to a resilient KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar (29), but South Africa’s spin maestro Simon Harmer scalped four wickets, supported by Marco Jansen’s three.
- South Africa’s Second Innings (153): Skipper Temba Bavuma played the lone hand of defiance, recording the match’s only half-century (unbeaten 55), lifting his side to a competitive total. Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets, with Mohammed Siraj bagging two.
- India’s Second Innings (93): Chasing 124 for victory, India’s batters folded quickly as Simon Harmer delivered another decisive spell, claiming his second four-wicket haul of the match to secure the victory for the Proteas.
Gambhir Defends Batting Unit
Speaking after the tough loss on home soil, India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir refused to single out the batting unit for criticism, maintaining his philosophy of collective responsibility.
Gautam Gambhir: “It’s a tough one. I, honestly don’t believe in giving marks and it’s not right on my part to give marks out of 10 and all that stuff. I’ve said it before, we lose together, we win together.”
The former Indian batter stressed that the team gave its best, but acknowledged the need for improvement on challenging pitches.
Gautam Gambhir: “It’s not fair that we start putting the blame on the batters as well. I think they’ve tried everything possible… But yes, we still need to keep getting better if you want to play on these kind of games.”
The loss means India now trail 0-1 in the two-match Test series, setting up a high-stakes second and final Test.