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| Image Source: NDTV Sports |
The contest, crucial for both teams' standings in the World Test Championship (WTC), began with a tactical shock from the Indian camp and culminated in a fast-bowling masterclass that left the reigning WTC champions staggering.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that initially paid dividends but quickly unraveled into a dramatic collapse orchestrated primarily by a sensational spell from Jasprit Bumrah.
Day 1 Highlights: Bumrah’s Brilliance Crushes South Africa
The opening session was deceptively calm, with South Africa's openers, Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23), building a solid platform. The pair saw off the initial movement offered by the Eden Gardens pitch, combining for a sturdy 57-run stand before the Indian bowlers, leveraging their unusual selection strategy, began to hit their rhythm.
The real momentum swing, which defined the IND vs SA 1st Test Day 1 highlights, began immediately after the tea break. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned for a fiery spell, delivering a series of unplayable deliveries. His lethal combination of sharp movement, reverse swing, and surgical accuracy proved too much for the Proteas' middle and lower order, who surrendered the early advantage completely.
Bumrah first broke the promising opening partnership and then sliced through the rest of the batting line-up, showing why he is globally regarded as the top Test bowler. He produced a series of defining moments, including a searing inswinging yorker that trapped Keshav Maharaj in front. The visitors plummeted from a decent start to be bowled out for a meager 159 in just 55 overs, losing their last ten wickets for only 102 runs. Bumrah finished with phenomenal figures of 5 for 27, his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, solidifying India’s control before bad light forced an early end to the proceedings.
Contributing effectively to the collapse were spinners Kuldeep Yadav (2/36) and Mohammed Siraj (2/47), who ensured there was no respite for the South African batters, demonstrating the immediate impact of India's selection strategy.
Decoding the Playing XI: India’s Four-Spinner Gambit
One of the most talked-about aspects leading into the match was India’s highly unconventional ind vs sa first test playing 11 selections. As reported widely, including in sources covering the series, India opted for a tactical surprise, fielding four specialist spinners for the first time in 13 years (the last instance being against England in 2012).
Captain Shubman Gill, while acknowledging the conflicting choice between an extra seamer and a spinner in the pre-match press conference, ultimately backed the spin-heavy attack, featuring:
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
This strategy, relying heavily on the all-round capabilities of Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar, was a bold move against the reigning WTC champions, who themselves possess quality spin options in Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
Adding further surprise was the decision to promote the all-rounder Washington Sundar to the pivotal No. 3 batting position. Sundar, coming in after the fall of Yashasvi Jaiswal, showed commendable temperament alongside KL Rahul in the final session, justifying the faith shown by the team management in his dual abilities. This selection move sparked considerable debate among cricket experts, with many, like the legendary Anil Kumble, expressing surprise at the aggressive all-rounder-focused lineup. This tactical shift underscores India’s aggressive intent to dominate at home by exploiting spin conditions while securing batting depth.
IND vs SA 1st Test Scorecard: The Stumps Report
As the floodlights took over the iconic venue and bad light eventually called stumps, the ind vs sa 1st test scorecard detailed a dominant day for the hosts, setting up a tantalizing Day 2.
South Africa 1st Innings Scorecard Summary:
| Batter | Score (Runs) | Fielder / Bowler |
| Aiden Markram | 31 | c Pant b Bumrah |
| Ryan Rickelton | 23 | b Bumrah |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | 3 | c Jurel b Kuldeep |
| Tony de Zorzi | 24 | lbw b Bumrah |
| Kyle Verreynne (wk) | 16 | lbw b Siraj |
| Extras | 10 | |
| Total | 159 (all out in 55 overs) |
India Bowling Analysis:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
| J. Bumrah | 14 | 5 | 27 | 5 |
| M. Siraj | 12 | 0 | 47 | 2 |
| K. Yadav | 14 | 1 | 36 | 2 |
| A. Patel | 6 | 2 | 21 | 1 |
India 1st Innings Status at Stumps (Day 1):
In their reply, India were cautious on a pitch offering variable bounce and some lateral movement. They lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (12), who dragged an awkward delivery from Marco Jansen onto his stumps.
The focus then shifted to veteran KL Rahul and the new No. 3, Washington Sundar. They successfully navigated the final hour of play, ensuring no further damage was done before light conditions forced the play to conclude early.
| Batter | Score (Runs) | Balls Faced |
| KL Rahul (Not Out) | 13 | 59 |
| Washington Sundar (Not Out) | 6 | 38 |
| Total | 37/1 (20 overs) |
India currently trails the Proteas by 122 runs. The performance confirmed the wisdom of promoting Sundar to a position requiring solid defense and temperament. As the live score IND vs SA Test updates continue into Day 2, the onus is now entirely on Rahul and Sundar to build a substantial lead and capitalize on the bowlers' phenomenal effort.
Conclusion: What Day 2 Means for the 2025 Series
The highly anticipated India vs SA first test in Kolkata lived up to its billing, delivering high drama and tactical surprises. While South Africa's decision to bat first on a variable pitch proved costly, India’s commanding position—built on Jasprit Bumrah's magic and a bold four-spinner strategy—provides them with a golden opportunity to secure a series-opening victory.
For those tracking the IND vs SA Test live score, Day 2 will be critical. The batters must convert this advantage into a dominant first-innings score, especially since the pitch is expected to offer increasing assistance to the four spinners as the match progresses. Should India secure a large lead, it could set the tone for the entire two-match series in 2025.
