On a day that saw the spinning ball reign supreme, Ravindra Jadeja delivered a masterclass, propelling India into a commanding position on the second day of the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
In a poignant twist, Jadeja’s stellar performance—figures of 4/29—came on the same day his historic, long-standing association with the Chennai Super Kings officially ended, as he was traded back to the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
A Meagre Lead, But a Psychological Blow
Resuming their first innings, India knew every run was precious. Starting the day watchfully, KL Rahul (39) and Washington Sundar negotiated a tricky surface before South Africa’s spinners, led by Simon Harmer (4/30), sparked a collapse.
Despite a few aggressive strokes from Rishabh Pant, India’s innings faltered, eventually folding for 189. A late concern emerged as Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck injury and did not return, limiting India’s first-innings lead to a slender 30 runs.
The Jadeja & Kuldeep Show Unfolds
The seemingly insignificant lead quickly turned into a mountain for South Africa to climb. The Indian spin trio of Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel turned the screw on a deteriorating pitch.
The collapse began just before Tea with Kuldeep trapping Ryan Rickelton lbw. The final session belonged to Jadeja. In a devastating spell, he removed Aiden Markram and then delivered a double-wicket maiden, sending Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi back to the pavilion in the same over.
Jadeja’s crowning moment was a delivery that ripped through Tristan Stubbs’s defence to clip the top of off-stump, a ball that left spectators and batters alike in awe. From the other end, Kuldeep and Axar provided relentless pressure, ensuring there was no respite for the Proteas.
The State of Play
At stumps, South Africa are reeling at 93/7, holding a fragile overall lead of just 63 runs. Captain Temba Bavuma (29*) remains their only hope, but with the pitch offering significant turn and bounce, India’s spinners will be licking their lips at the prospect of wrapping up the tail quickly on day three.
The day unequivocally belonged to India’s spin brigade, with Jadeja leading the charge and putting his team on the brink of a vital 1-0 series lead.
*Brief scores: South Africa 159 & 93/7 (Bavuma 29*; Jadeja 4/29, Kuldeep 2/12) lead India 189 (Rahul 39; Harmer 4/30) by 63 runs.*
