Eden Gardens witnessed a gripping three-day contest as South Africa clinched a dramatic 30-run victory over India in the 1st Test of the series on Sunday (November 16).
In a match dominated by spin and uneven bounce, both sides struggled for batting stability, but Simon Harmer's nine-wicket match haul and Temba Bavuma's resilient half-century proved decisive.
South Africa, batting first after winning the toss, managed 159 in their opening innings. Jasprit Bumrah was on song with a five-wicket haul, while Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj shared crucial breakthroughs. Despite brief resistance from Markram and de Zorzi, India's bowlers ensured a modest total.
India's reply was not much better. KL Rahul's patient 39 and cameos from Rishabh Pant and Washington
Sundar led them to 189, giving the hosts a slender 30-run lead. Harmer's four-wicket spell and Marco Jansen's control restricted India's progress.
The match swung again in South Africa's second innings, with Ravindra Jadeja's 4 for 50 running through the middle order. Bavuma's composed 55 anchored the side to 153 all out, setting India a tricky 124-run target on a deteriorating surface.
India's chase quickly unravelled. Jansen struck early, while Harmer's off-spin proved unplayable on the crumbling pitch. India slumped to 93 for 8, falling short by 30 runs. Shubman Gill, who had retired hurt in the first innings, did not bat in the second due to stiffness in his neck, further weakening India's top order.
Axar Patel's counterattacking 26 and Sundar's patient 31 briefly offered resistance, but Harmer's 4 for 21 sealed South Africa's hard-fought win. The visitors took a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second Test promising another fierce battle on spin-friendly Indian conditions.
When did India last lose to South Africa on Home Soil?
India's last defeat against the Proteas came some 15 years back in 2010.
India continue dismal Test run under Gautam Gambhir
Along with that, the Indian team has continued their poor Test streak under the tutelage of Gautam Gambhir. India have lost a number of Test matches, most recently a 0-3 series loss against New Zealand in 2024. The Indian team lost to Australia as well down under, and then went on to draw 2-2 against England in the summer. After a home series win over a depleted West Indies side, the Indian team has slumped yet again. Out of the 18 Test matches under Gambhir as coach, India have now lost their 9th match, with just 7 wins in their name.
