Kolkata, India – November 15, 2025: Day two of the first Test between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens has dramatically tilted in favour of the hosts, with Ravindra Jadeja’s spin wizardry ripping through the Proteas batting lineup. By stumps, South Africa found themselves reeling at 93/7 in their second innings, clutching a precarious lead of just 63 runs. However, the resounding success on the field was tempered by a significant concern off it: India’s captain, Shubman Gill, was forced to retire hurt with a neck injury, casting a worrying shadow over an otherwise dominant day for Team India. This breaking news analysis delves into the day’s pivotal moments and their far-reaching implications.

India’s First Innings Navigated by Milestones and Concerns

Resuming their innings at 37/1, India aimed to establish a substantial lead after Jasprit Bumrah’s sensational five-wicket haul (5/27) had restricted South Africa to 159 on Day 1. The morning session saw KL Rahul and Washington Sundar bat cautiously, adding 25 runs. Rahul, in particular, celebrated a significant personal milestone, stroking a boundary early in the day to reach 4,000 Test runs, a testament to his consistent red-ball form since 2024, where he has averaged 52. Washington Sundar, entrusted with the crucial No. 3 spot, showcased a ‘good defensive technique’ but also found boundaries with a six and a sweep.

However, the tide began to turn with Washington Sundar’s dismissal for 29, caught at first slip off Simon Harmer. The spotlight then shifted to Shubman Gill, who walked out to a huge ovation. Tragically, his stay was brief, as he retired hurt after facing just three balls due to a neck spasm. This incident prompted Sunil Gavaskar to express deep concern, stating it ‘has to be a lot more serious’ given Gill’s prolonged absence. The BCCI later confirmed the injury, stating Gill was ‘being monitored by the BCCI medical team,’ leaving his participation uncertain.

In Gill’s absence, vice-captain Rishabh Pant entered the fray, immediately injecting impetus into the innings. His entertaining cameo of 25 off 20 balls included two fours and two sixes, one of which saw him surpass Virender Sehwag’s tally to become the Indian with the most sixes in Test cricket (92). Jadeja also contributed a valuable 27 runs, reaching his own monumental career milestone of 4,000 Test runs, placing him in an elite club alongside Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori as the only cricketers with 4,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test history. Despite these efforts, South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Simon Harmer (4 wickets) and Marco Jansen (2 wickets), ensured India were bowled out for 189, securing a modest first-innings lead of 30.

The Gill Conundrum and Squad Depth

The severity of Shubman Gill’s neck spasm remains the biggest unknown for India. With Gill forced off, Rishabh Pant took over captaincy duties on the field. The incident also reignited discussions around team selection, with former India batter Mohammed Kaif questioning the ‘puzzling’ omission of Sai Sudharsan, who scored 87 in his last Test. Kaif remarked on X, ‘Confusing signals are not good for the dressing room,’ highlighting potential inconsistencies in team management’s approach to youth. India’s depth will be tested if Gill’s injury proves serious, especially given his critical role at the top of the order and as captain.

Jadeja’s Web and South Africa’s Collapse

With a slender 30-run lead, India needed their bowlers to perform, and they delivered spectacularly. The Eden Gardens pitch, already showing signs of ‘inconsistency of bounce’ and ‘turning square’ as described by South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince, became a minefield. After Ryan Rickelton fell LBW to Kuldeep Yadav just before Tea, Ravindra Jadeja took centre stage. Confirming his high-profile return to Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 earlier in the day, Jadeja’s focus was clearly undivided on national duty.

He swiftly removed Aiden Markram with a leading edge caught at short leg. But it was his twin strike in the 17th over that truly broke the Proteas’ back, dismissing Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi in quick succession. He then bowled Tristan Stubbs with a ‘beauty’ that zipped past the bat, securing his fourth wicket. Kuldeep Yadav picked up his second wicket by having Marco Jansen glove one to KL Rahul, and Axar Patel joined the party, bowling Kyle Verreyne with a ball he missed completely. South Africa’s batting crumbled under the relentless pressure, collapsing to 93/7 by stumps, with captain Temba Bavuma providing the only substantial resistance with an unbeaten 29.

Spin Dominance on a Tricky Surface

The narrative of the day was firmly dictated by India’s spinners on a challenging pitch. Jadeja’s four wickets underscore his unparalleled value in home conditions, where his accuracy, subtle variations, and the assistance of the surface make him almost unplayable. Kuldeep Yadav’s contributions were equally vital, demonstrating the potent combination of India’s spin attack. Ashwell Prince’s comments about the ‘trust’ deficit created by the ‘erratic bounce’ perfectly encapsulate the mental battle faced by the South African batsmen. This is a classic Indian Test match script, where visiting teams often struggle to adapt to turning tracks and world-class spin. India’s ability to maximize these conditions is a cornerstone of their formidable home record.

Looking Ahead to Day 3

India is now in a commanding position. With South Africa leading by just 63 runs with only three wickets in hand, a victory by an innings or a comprehensive chase appears imminent. The remaining South African batters, Corbin Bosch and Temba Bavuma, face an unenviable task against a rampant Indian bowling attack, particularly with the pitch likely to deteriorate further. India will be keen to wrap up the innings quickly on Day 3 morning, minimizing any potential target and setting themselves up for a swift victory. While the match scenario strongly favours India, the overarching concern for the team management and fans will be the update on Shubman Gill’s injury, as his long-term fitness and availability for the remainder of the series are paramount. Day 3 promises more drama, as India looks to seal a dominant win in the first Test.

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