WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s clever stump mic strategy leads to Temba Bavuma’s wicket on the next ball. India vs South Africa, Kolkata Test

first test between India and South Africa A brilliant display of the cricket intelligence of the Indian vice-captain and wicketkeeper was seen at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rishabh Pantwhich has specific instructions to the spinner -Kuldeep Yadav This had a direct impact on the dismissal of the South African captain. Temba Bavuma Next ball. Pant’s savvy handling of the situation, recorded clearly on the stump mic, contributed significantly to India’s early dominance.

IND vs SA: Temba Bavuma’s wicket fell due to Rishabh Pant’s stump mic strategy on the first day of Kolkata Test

The incident occurred soon after a strong start by the Indian pace attack during the first session of the first day. With Kuldeep bowling, vice-captain Pant set up the fielding and provided important tactical advice, particularly aimed at neutralizing the dangerous Temba Bavuma, who is known to wear down the bowlers.

Pant’s words, captured on the stump mic, warned Kuldeep about Bavuma’s favorite scoring shot and the exact spot where he could be caught. Pant told Kuldeep that Bavuma was adept at playing sweep shots and would probably be “caught on the leg side.” He especially instructed the leg side fielders to be ready for the occasion.

Immediately after this specific tip, Kuldeep bowled a spin which Bavuma attempted to play off his pads. The ball hit the inside edge of his bat and flew straight Dhruv JurelWhich was deployed at leg slip, resulting in a clean catch. The early dismissal of the South African captain, known for his ability to tire the bowlers, was entirely attributed to Pant’s intelligence and ability to read the batsman.

Here is the video:

Rishabh Pant is back in Tests with comedy and clutch advice that only he can give!

From dismissing bowlers to mic-dropping one-liners on the stump mic, the man is already serving Rishabh Pant well.#INDvSA First test live now 👉 https://t.co/uK1oWLgsfx pic.twitter.com/spqaupMr3T

– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 14 November 2025

Rishabh Pant 💯#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/rBAsGQAWn0

– Aman (@Amanriz78249871) 14 November 2025

Also read: “We can’t ignore the performance of players like…”: Shubman Gill on Mohammed Shami’s absence from India’s Test team

IND vs SA: South Africa recover from early defeat against Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav

South Africa won the toss in Kolkata and decided to bat first, but their innings so far have been full of ups and downs. After losing three wickets before lunch, they managed to recover somewhat and reached 105/3 at the break. Despite losing two important wickets in quick succession, the middle order has shown resilience vian mulder (22*) and Tony De Zorzi (16*) Temba held firm after the fall of Bavuma, who was out for just 3 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah And Kuldeep has been an exceptional wicket taker for India Ryan Rickelton (23) and aiden markram (31) respectively. Both bowlers looked sharp, with Bumrah bowling a devastating spell and Kuldeep bowling just when South Africa looked to be gaining some stability. The Indian bowlers have put the pressure on South Africa but Mulder and De Zorzi will look to rebuild after the early setbacks as South Africa head into the second session.

See also: IND vs SA: On the first day of Kolkata Test, Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant ball surprised Aiden Markram, while Rishabh Pant took a brilliant catch.