KKR Fall Short in Just 4 Runs

Ravindra Jadeja's action IND-RSA 1st Test

Jadeja's Masterclass Puts India in Driver's Seat on a Dramatic Day 2 at Eden Gardens

Summary: Day 2 at Eden Gardens was an absolute rollercoaster! A total of 17 wickets fell as bowlers from both sides dominated. After taking a slender 30-run lead, India's spin king Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around South Africa, grabbing 4 wickets to leave them struggling at 93/7. South Africa leads by just 63 runs, putting Team India in a commanding position.

Kolkata: The historic Eden Gardens witnessed a classic day of Test cricket where the ball dominated the bat, as a staggering 17 wickets tumbled on Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa. At stumps, a masterful spell from Ravindra Jadeja has put India firmly in control, with South Africa struggling at 93/7 in their second innings, holding a precarious lead of just 63 runs.

India's Batters Fight for a Slender Lead

Responding to South Africa's first-innings total of 159, India's batting was a story of struggle and resistance. The top order couldn't build significant partnerships against a disciplined Proteas attack. KL Rahul was the top scorer, showing immense patience for his 39 runs, while Washington Sundar (29), Rishabh Pant (27), and Ravindra Jadeja (27) made crucial contributions to push India past South Africa's score.

For the visitors, off-spinner Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, finishing with excellent figures of 4/30. Pacer Marco Jansen provided brilliant support, claiming 3/35 to ensure India's lead remained a small one. India was eventually bowled out for 189, gaining a vital 30-run first-innings lead.

Jadeja Spins a Web in the Final Session

With a small but significant lead, the Indian bowlers came out firing. It was the "Sir" Ravindra Jadeja show in the final session. The masterful left-arm spinner was simply unplayable on a pitch offering turn and bounce. He dismantled the South African middle order, claiming four key wickets:

• Aiden Markram (4)

• Wiaan Mulder (11)

• Tony de Zorzi (2)

• Tristan Stubbs (5)

Kuldeep Yadav (2/12) and Axar Patel (1/30) provided perfect support, ensuring the pressure never eased. South African captain Temba Bavuma stood as the lone warrior, remaining unbeaten on 29, but watched his partners fall one by one from the other end.

Looking Ahead to Day 3

With South Africa effectively 93/7 and leading by only 63 runs, India is in a commanding position. The first hour of Day 3 will be crucial. India will look to wrap up the remaining three wickets quickly to set themselves a small target to chase for a 1-0 series lead.

Keywords: IND vs SA Test,Ravindra Jadeja,Eden Gardens Cricket