Indian batsman KL Rahul took a sensational catch to dismiss Marco Johnson, reducing South Africa to 91 for seven on the second day of the ongoing first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The wicket came when Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant suggested Kuldeep Yadav to bowl around the wicket to create the right angle to trouble the left-handed batsman.
KL Rahul took a brilliant catch and dismissed Marco Johnson.
Kuldeep’s ball went straight and dodged Jensen. The South African batsman tried to slog-sweep but only managed to take the edge of the ball. Despite Pant’s brilliance behind the stumps, KL Rahul responded immediately. Rahul dived to his left and took a sharp, low catch.
Also read: As soon as Axar Patel uprooted the stump in Kolkata, Kyle Verreen threw away his wicket with a sharp shot.
The brilliant efforts of the right-handed batsman surprised everyone. Pant’s advice, Kuldeep’s skill and Rahul’s athleticism displayed India’s teamwork at its best against South Africa at the Eden Gardens.
Pant requested Kuldeep:
“Please bowl two balls from round the wicket and hit the rough. You will get one wicket.”
Kuldeep: “Inside or outside?”
Pant: “One each”
Johnson was dismissed with Baharwala on the second ball.– Arani Basu (@AraniBasuTOI) 15 November 2025
– Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) 15 November 2025
India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 2 Highlights
Meanwhile, the second day of the first Test at the Eden Gardens ended in dramatic fashion as play was abandoned due to bad light in Kolkata. South Africa were in a tough spot, ending the day at 93/7 in their second innings and trailing India by 63 runs at the Eden Gardens.
Indian spinners completely dominated the Proteas batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel took advantage of the pitch’s sharp turn and variable bounce to weave a web around the South African batsmen. The wicket had uneven bounce for the fast bowlers and plenty of movement for the spinners, making it extremely difficult for both teams to bat.
The hosts started the second day at 37/1, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar taking the score to 75 before Simon Harmer made an impact. Harmer took four wickets, while Marco Jansson took three, with KL Rahul being the top scorer with 39 runs as India were bowled out for just 189 runs.
Also read: KL Rahul’s 39 runs in Kolkata set a record for the lowest ‘top score’ in the first two innings of Test in India
Axar Patel is confident that any score below 125 can be chased at Eden Gardens
With South Africa losing seven wickets for just 93 runs and struggling in difficult conditions, India are in a strong position at the start of the third day at the Eden Gardens. However, Indian spin all-rounder Axar Patel said any score below 125 could be chased in Kolkata.
Axar Patel said after the end of the second day, “From one end it looks like it is going straight, but from the other end everything is happening. As a batsman, you have to play aggressive cricket. You have to convert loose balls into goals and maintain an aggressive mindset.”
Can’t have a defensive mindset because you never get involved. When you know there’s something in it for bowlers, you might be tempted by the idea of ​​bowling some magic balls. Patience is important. If we can keep them under 125 then it is achievable.
Many, many, many times: KL Rahul on crying
Meanwhile, KL Rahul opened up about the emotional side of cricket in the first episode of Like an Athlete. He revealed that the game has made him cry many times, but players rarely show their emotions on camera. Rahul told that therapy has helped him a lot.
Rahul expressed disappointment at being called “soft” just because he is soft-spoken and stays away from the media spotlight. He said, “Many, many, many times. It’s not that players don’t want to open up. We don’t say it in front of the camera. Like every other Indian, we think that seeking help is a sign of weakness. It took me a long time to say, okay, I will take therapy. It has helped me a lot. I suggest it to many players in the dressing room as well.”
