Test cricket returned to the iconic Eden Gardens after six long years, and the comeback could not have been more dramatic. South Africa’s batting line-up collapsed spectacularly in the opening Test of the two-match series, bowled out for just 159 as India’s bowlers completely dominated proceedings. The star of the show was Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed his 16th Test five-wicket haul with a spell of relentless precision and pace.
South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to bat first after winning the toss on Friday, but his decision quickly backfired. Bumrah struck early, removing both openers within the first hour. Ryan Rickelton was bowled for 23, while Aiden Markram—who top-scored with 31—edged a near-unplayable delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. At 62 for 2, the visitors were already struggling.
Kuldeep Yadav then piled on further misery, trapping Bavuma (3) and Wiaan Mulder (24) lbw with sharp turn. Tony de Zorzi (24) also fell leg-before to Bumrah at 120, leaving South Africa wobbling with half the side gone.
Mohammed Siraj intensified the collapse by taking two wickets in the same over—dismissing Kyle Verreynne (16) and Marco Jansen (0)—as the Proteas slipped to 147 for 7. From there, it was merely a matter of time. Axar Patel removed Corbin Bosch (3), opening the floodgates for the final crumble.
Bumrah finished the job clinically, bowling Simon Harmer (5) and then trapping Keshav Maharaj lbw for a duck to complete his five-for and end the innings at 159.
For India, Bumrah took 5 wickets, while Siraj and Kuldeep shared two each, with Axar claiming one. India now hold a firm grip on the Test after a dominant bowling display on Eden’s celebratory return to Test cricket.