Ravindra Jadeja Wrecks South Africa’s Batting As India Seize Control On Day 2
Ravindra Jadeja shines as India dominates South Africa on Day 2 in Kolkata.
India turned the tide dramatically on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata, thanks to a stellar bowling display from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner claimed four wickets, including two in a single over, reducing South Africa to 75 for 5 by stumps. The Proteas lead India by only 45 runs in their second innings, setting up an absorbing contest as the match heads into Day 3.
Jadeja’s spell tore through South Africa’s middle order. He dismissed Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, and Tony de Zorzi, leaving the visitors struggling to build partnerships. Adding to India’s dominance, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring pressure from both ends as the surface began offering more assistance to spin.
Earlier in the day, India’s first innings ended on 189, giving them a slender 30-run lead. Rishabh Pant, leading the team as captain, guided India’s lower order with aggressive intent before falling short of a half-century. The innings began on a challenging note as Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing just three balls due to a neck injury and did not return to bat. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, kept India’s middle order in check.
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Day 1 saw Jasprit Bumrah deliver a fiery performance, picking up a five-wicket haul that helped India bundle out South Africa for 159. His ability to extract movement on a lively surface set the platform for India’s control of the match. However, with the pitch now slowing down and offering more turn, India’s spinners seized the momentum in the second innings.
As the Test progresses, India will look to wrap up South Africa’s remaining innings quickly on Day 3 and chase a manageable target. With Jadeja in rhythm and Pant leading aggressively, India appear firmly in command, but South Africa will hope their lower order can extend the lead to make things interesting on an increasingly turning pitch.
Also Read: South Africa Warned About Jasprit Bumrah Threat Ahead Of 1st Test Against India
