IND vs SA 1st Test Day 2 Summary: India Reach 138/4 as Tight South African Bowling Creates Pressure

Day 2 of the India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens brought classic Test match intensity as both sides battled for early control of the series. After dismissing South Africa for 159 on Day 1, India resumed their first-innings reply with hopes of securing a firm lead. However, by the lunch break on Day 2, India reached 138/4, still trailing by 21 runs and facing a disciplined South African bowling attack.

India Begin With Caution as Pitch Starts to Turn

The morning began with India adopting a careful approach, aware that the Eden Gardens surface had begun offering turn much earlier than anticipated. The outfield was slow, the bowlers found natural variation off the pitch, and runs did not come easily.

India’s cautious start reflected the conditions, with batsmen focusing on strike rotation rather than boundary-hitting. Yet despite their discipline, South Africa’s consistent lines ensured India never looked fully comfortable.

KL Rahul Crosses 4000 Test Runs Before Falling

One of the session’s standout moments was KL Rahul crossing the 4000-run milestone in Test cricket, a significant achievement for the experienced batter. Rahul looked solid and composed, appearing ready to play a long innings. But his stay ended when Keshav Maharaj trapped him with a beautifully bowled delivery that straightened sharply.

Rahul’s wicket came just as India hoped to settle into a steady scoring rhythm, shifting momentum back toward the visitors.

Rishabh Pant’s Aggression Ends Quickly

Rishabh Pant arrived with his trademark positive intent. A towering six early in his innings briefly lifted India’s scoring rate and energized the crowd. However, his attempt to maintain the aggressive approach proved costly. Another risky stroke led to his dismissal, cutting short what could have been a vital counterattacking innings.

Pant’s wicket demonstrated how challenging the pitch had become, punishing even small misjudgments.

Shubman Gill Retires Hurt After Neck Injury Scare

A worrying moment arrived when Shubman Gill retired hurt, clutching his neck after mistiming a sweep shot. His injury forced him off the field and raised immediate concerns about his availability for the remainder of the Test.

Gill’s exit disrupted the batting order and placed additional responsibility on India’s middle order.

Washington Sundar Shows Patience Before Falling

Washington Sundar displayed promising technique and patience against both spin and pace. His ability to rotate strike and settle into an innings was refreshing at a time when India needed stability. However, he eventually edged an off-break from Simon Harmer, giving South Africa another crucial wicket.

His departure exposed India’s lower-middle order earlier than expected.

South Africa Maintain Pressure With Disciplined Bowling

South Africa’s bowlers deserve full credit for their commitment and consistency throughout the session. Maharaj and Harmer extracted sharp turn and bounce, while the seamers maintained tight channels that troubled Indian batsmen repeatedly. Their collective effort kept India from building a comfortable platform.

This disciplined performance ensured South Africa stayed competitive despite their modest first-innings total.

Match Outlook: India Slightly Ahead But Under Pressure

Although India trail by just 21 runs, the bigger picture still leans slightly in their favor thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant five-wicket haul on Day 1. If India’s lower order can secure even a modest lead, the deteriorating surface may give their bowlers — especially the spinners — ample opportunity in South Africa’s second innings.

However, with South Africa applying continuous pressure, the Test remains balanced and could swing either way.

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