Kolkata Test: India Close In on Victory as Jadeja Shreds South Africa’s Batting Line-up

Kolkata, November 15 India moved to the brink of a commanding win in the first Test after Ravindra Jadeja produced a destructive spell on a challenging second day at Eden Gardens. With the pitch offering unpredictable bounce and keeping both teams on edge, Jadeja’s four-wicket haul played a decisive role in putting South Africa on the ropes. South Africa, already under pressure after being dismissed for 159 in their first innings, struggled again in their second outing. By stumps, they were tottering at 93 for 7, still trailing and facing the prospect of defeat inside three days. The inconsistent surface made life miserable for batters on both sides, contributing to a match dominated by bowlers from the outset. India’s first innings also reflected the pitch’s erratic nature. Resuming at 37 for one, they could only push their total to 189. Off-spinner Simon Harmer spearheaded South Africa’s comeback with an incisive 4 for 30, putting India’s middle order under pressure and ensuring the lead remained narrower than the hosts would have preferred. India’s top order faced an early setback when skipper Shubman Gill, who had just struck his first boundary, walked off with a neck spasm and did not return to bat—leaving India effectively a batter short. Washington Sundar tried to break the shackles with a six off Keshav Maharaj but could not build a long stay, eventually edging to slip off Harmer. Rishabh Pant, returning from a foot injury that had ruled him out of the West Indies series, injected brief energy into the innings. His aggressive approach unsettled the bowlers, especially Maharaj, whom he launched for a six right after a missed catching chance. However, Pant’s fluent 27 ended when Corbin Bosch surprised him with a sharp bouncer, resulting in a catch behind the wicket. KL Rahul’s composed 39 provided some resistance before he too fell to Maharaj. Jadeja chipped in with a gritty 27 lower down the order, but the lack of sustained partnerships meant India’s innings folded earlier than they would have liked, wrapping up half an hour before tea. When South Africa returned to bat, Jadeja quickly turned the screws. Kuldeep Yadav struck first by removing Ryan Rickelton for 11, before Jadeja unleashed a relentless spell of left-arm spin that dismantled the top order. His figures of 4 for 29 reflected his command both over the pitch and the opposition. South Africa’s frontline batters simply had no answers. The tourists ended the day with only skipper Temba Bavuma showing resistance, holding firm with a battling 29 not out. He was joined by Bosch, who survived to the close on one. With South Africa seven down and still far behind, India enter day three with victory nearly within reach. Jadeja’s all-round impact has placed the hosts firmly in control of a Test defined by discipline, spin, and a pitch that demands constant vigilance. Kolkata Test: India Close In on Victory as Jadeja Shreds South Africa’s Batting Line-up India edged closer to a dominant win at Eden Gardens as Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket burst dismantled South Africa’s second-innings hopes, tightening India’s hold on the opening Test. The low-scoring clash, shaped by uneven bounce and relentless pressure, saw South Africa fold for 159 in the first innings before collapsing again to 93 for 7 by stumps. Jadeja’s precision, paired with Kuldeep Yadav’s support, left the visitors struggling for stability. India’s own batting had its hurdles — Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck spasm, and Simon Harmer’s 4 for 30 kept the hosts in check. Brief momentum came from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, whose attacking strokes offered short-lived relief. Even so, India’s 189-run total provided a crucial lead on a tricky surface. With Temba Bavuma fighting a lone battle for South Africa and wickets falling rapidly around him, India now stand poised for a finish within three days. A commanding position, built on disciplined bowling, sharp intent, and Jadeja’s standout performance, has set the tone for a decisive result.