Jadeja Shines as Indian Spinners Propel Team on Day 2

The second day of the opening Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens saw a remarkable performance by the Indian spin attack, led by Ravindra Jadeja. The home team managed to recover from a disappointing first innings total of just 189 runs, as Jadeja and his fellow spinners turned the tide against the visitors. Despite the challenging pitch conditions, India ended the day with South Africa only 63 runs ahead.

Batters from both sides struggled to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the Eden Gardens pitch, where not a single player had crossed the 40 run mark over nearly three innings of play. South Africa’s batting woes were exacerbated by a combination of poor shot selection and indecisive footwork, as they found themselves at the mercy of India’s spin bowlers.

Jadeja’s four-wicket haul was pivotal in dismantling the South African batting lineup in their second innings. His precision and control were evident as he exploited the inconsistent bounce, leading to a series of mistakes from the opposition batters. Notably, Aiden Markram’s dismissal came from a tentative prod that resulted in a catch at short leg, while Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi fell victim to Jadeja’s extra bounce, both edging deliveries that left them scrambling.

The highlight of Jadeja’s spell was the dismissal of Tristan Stubbs, who looked on in disbelief as the ball deviated sharply to dislodge the off bail after being pitched wide of the crease. The only resistance from the South African side came from skipper Temba Bavuma, whose steadfast innings prevented an even greater collapse.

Earlier in the day, India’s batting lineup mirrored their opponents’ struggles. Overnight batsmen KL Rahul and Washington Sundar attempted to negotiate the treacherous pitch conditions but fell to edges that clipped the fielders. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel also failed to capitalize on their opportunities, as Jadeja was the only Indian batsman who appeared comfortable before falling to a delivery from the impressive South African off-spinner Simon Harmer.

Harmer’s effective bowling throughout the day was crucial. He claimed four wickets, three of which were left-handers, as he consistently targeted the stumps while enticing the Indian batsmen into risky shots. His strategy of placing deep fielders in cover and fine leg created a trap that proved difficult for the Indian batsmen to escape, ultimately leading to a disappointing total that left the weekend crowd of 40,000 at Eden Gardens disheartened.

As Day 2 concluded, the Indian spinners took command of the match, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling finish. With the prospect of the Test concluding on November 16, 2025, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the final day unfolds.