Ind vs SA Test 1 Day 2 : Spin Rules as India Nears Test Win
India built on a dominant opening day to tighten their grip in Kolkata. After dismissing South Africa for 159 on Day 1, India reached 189 in their first innings and then reduced the Proteas to 93/7 at stumps on Day 2. The hosts are now firmly in charge of the match. Ind vs SA Test 1 Day 2 looked like a perfect day for India, as they look close to a win.
What happened on Day-1
Day 1 belonged completely to India. South Africa started well at 57/0, but once Jasprit Bumrah found his rhythm, everything changed. His fiery spell ripped through the top order and triggered a collapse that saw the visitors tumble to just 159 all out. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj backed him up with tight, disciplined bowling as India controlled the momentum from the middle session onwards. In reply, India played out a steady final session, finishing on 37/1 at stumps, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar looking solid. It was a dominant opening day for the hosts, setting the tone for the rest of the Test.
India vs South Africa — 1st Test - Day 2
ICC World Test Championship 2025/26 • 14–18 November 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Morning Session — India build steadily
India began the day at 37/1, and KL Rahul carried on with the same calm presence he showed at the end of Day 1. Although South Africa bowled a tighter line early, India moved the lead past 150 without too many alarms. Washington Sundar dug in as well, playing percentage cricket and rotating strike to keep the innings stable. South Africa created a few half-chances, but the consistency wasn’t enough to dent India’s rhythm.
Session winner: India
Afternoon Session — South Africa strike back
This phase belonged to South Africa. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bowled with purpose, finding movement off the surface and hitting better lengths. India slipped from a position of comfort, losing wickets in clusters. Rahul’s dismissal after a composed fifty shifted the mood slightly, and the visitors rode that wave. Sundar followed soon after, and the Indian middle order had to reset.
Despite the breakthroughs, India maintained the lead advantage — but the session clearly swung in South Africa’s favour.
Session winner: South Africa
Evening Session — India hit back with the ball
When India finally wrapped up their innings, the lead was healthy enough to put pressure on South Africa. And with the new ball under lights, the hosts pounced again. Jasprit Bumrah struck early — his pace, seam and angles causing immediate discomfort. Mohammed Siraj backed him up strongly, beating the bat multiple times before earning his reward.
By stumps, South Africa were under pressure yet again, trailing India and losing momentum at a crucial stage. India fully controlled the final hour, setting up a gripping Day 3.
Session winner: India
Shubman Gill's Injury concern and momentum shift
The pitch at Eden Gardens started to wear and spin began to bite. Even South Africa’s bowling coach admitted to being surprised by how quickly the surface deteriorated. The combination of spin threat, bounce variation and batting pressure made Day 2 a turning point.
Spin dominance and pitch behaviour
A worrying moment for India emerged when captain Shubman Gill had to retire hurt after facing just three balls due to a neck spasm. That incident added a cautionary tone, but India’s bowlers didn’t falter. Momentum firmly rests with India as South Africa struggle under pressure.
Top Performers of the Day
Ravindra Jadeja
In an all-round performance, Jadeja chipped in with 27 runs earlier in the day and bowled with guile to take 4 wickets, including two in an over. His performance broke the backbone of South Africa’s second-innings response and reinforced India’s control.
Kuldeep Yadav
Quiet yet effective, Kuldeep supported the lead spin attack by picking up key wickets and keeping South Africa’s inning from gaining any momentum. His role allowed Jadeja and the pace bowlers to rotate with confidence
What to expect on Day 3
Day 3 is shaping up to be the turning point of this Test match. India will come out hunting early wickets, hoping to wrap up South Africa’s innings quickly and stretch their advantage before the pitch breaks down further. The surface is already starting to grip, and with more rough opening up outside the right-hander’s off-stump, Jadeja and Kuldeep will fancy running through the lower order. For South Africa, the first hour is everything — they need Bavuma to hold firm and the tail to somehow extend the innings into something competitive. If India strike early, the game could tilt heavily in their favour.
