IndiaThe first innings ended on the second day of the Kolkata Test as they were eventually bowled out for one run. Disappointing total of 189 runsin reply to South Africa’Despite a modest score of 159, the hosts only managed to take a modest lead of 30 runs, which was much less than what was expected from a strong batting lineup.
IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah’s foundation ruined due to poor middle order of India
The Indian innings was defined by a serious middle-order collapse, which saw the team fail spectacularly to take advantage of the advantageous position established by their bowlers on the first day. After bowling out South Africa for a low score of 159, India’s batting performance was expected to produce a strong lead, but instead, they were bundled out for only 189, giving a fragile lead of only 30 runs, a paltry margin that effectively negated India’s shine. Jasprit BumrahTook five wickets on the first day.
The rapid fall of wickets was mainly due to the South African spin attack. simon harmer Proves to be particularly effective on the turning pitch, achieving sharp turn and bounce, delivering significant strike off the key turns washington beautiful (29), Ravindra Jadeja (27) and Dhruv JurelEnsuring that the partnership could not be stronger.
Keshav Maharaj also played an important role and took the wicket of the set batsman. KL Rahul ( 39 ), reflecting the constant pressure exerted by the proteasome from both ends. Despite late efforts from the lower-order batsmen, the damage had been done, and the collective failure of the specialist batsmen proved very costly for the home team, as each of the opening top and middle-order batsmen were unable to convert their potential into substantial, match-defining scores.
The forced retirement of captain Gill due to painful neck spasms further compounded the issue, which further destabilized the batting lineup during the crucial collapse phase. Lack of application and conversion on the tricky, rotating surface became the central theme of India’s disappointing batting performance throughout the day, and the final score of 189 was a clear indictment of the batting unit, proving that South Africa’s disciplined bowling was superior to India’s home batsmen. This poor form meant that India missed the chance to take a comfortable lead of 70 to 100 runs, and the immediate momentum swung squarely back to the tourists, who now faced only a small deficit in their crucial second innings.
IND vs SA: South Africa’s disciplined bowling under the leadership of Simon Harmer has equalized the match.
South Africa’s disciplined and relentless bowling attack executed an almost flawless strategy to bowl out India cheaply and secure a crucial tie in the Test match despite their poor batting performance in the first innings. The visiting bowlers successfully restricted the hosts to 189 runs, ensuring the run deficit was minimal and allowing them to counter-attack with renewed intent immediately in the second innings, minimizing the damage and preventing India from going past the crucial 50-run mark needed to establish control.
The successful plan effectively focused on exploiting the surface characteristics of the Eden Gardens, which offered significant turn, grip and variable bounce from the start of the second day, with the spin duo of Harmer and Maharaj operating with remarkable accuracy, targeting the stumps and successfully inducing errors from the Indian middle order. Harmer’s ability to consistently take sharp turn and lift ensured that he demolished the lower-middle order, confirming that the pitch was providing adequate support to the spinners, while the fast bowlers, due to pace and aggression, were in the lead. Corbin Boschalso contributed effectively, directly led Rishabh PantDismissal of.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Not even 8 batsmen have crossed 200 in home conditions 😭🤦🏽♂️…..Why do you need to play on such pitches when in Britain you can settle for losing the toss? #INDvSA
– Sanskar Gemawat (@thatSansbariGuy) 15 November 2025
Such a disappointing pathetic display of batting and stupidity by India again on a slightly challenging turning pitch. #bcci Managing to fill in the batting with part time all rounder batsmen and 2 keepers. Treating it like a T20I. terrible outlook @bcci @GautamGambhir #INDvSA #edensgardengame
-Akshat Tiwari (@akshat5797) 15 November 2025
Disappointed with Shubman Gill.
Should have come to bat. The captain needs to set an example.
A lead of 30 runs is nothing. Siraj will give such an opportunity in his first spell itself.#INDvSA
– Strike1AndOut (@Strike1AndOut) 15 November 2025
We bat much better in overseas Test matches than India and that is why we need to play on better surfaces at home as we did against West Indies. Do we not have enough confidence in our bowlers to take 20 wickets on good surfaces? #IndvSA
– Prantik (@Pran__07) 15 November 2025
Another self goal of BCCI #INDvSA
– Michael News (@Sabya639) 15 November 2025
I feel that India’s dominance in domestic matches has ended in the New Zealand series and the decline of dominance is sad but true 😐💔 #INDVSA
– Cricketestival (@crickestival) 15 November 2025
Just like our batting line up is achievable, I can say the same about the Indian batting unit, as I said before the series started. Whoever bats second will ultimately be the winner.#INDvSA
– Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) 15 November 2025
Didn’t the Indian curators learn anything about not preparing fiery turners after the New Zealand series defeat last year? The Eden Gardens pitch is answering those questions #indvsa
– Clint Stevens (@clintstevens123) 15 November 2025
Gambhir actually got defensive and prepared a turner 🙂
According to reports, the pitch was not watered a day before the end of the Test. That’s why it’s your turn here early the next day
India can still win this series 2-0, but it won’t be able to hide poor planning
—Gaurav Nandan Tripathi Gaurav Narayan Trimurti (@Cric_Beyond_Ent) 15 November 2025
Terrible pitch. Gambhir has not learned any lesson from last year’s wipeout. Definitely skipping this exam or the next exam
-Chatil Panditsekara (@ChatilPandi) 15 November 2025
