Indian spin maestro Ravindra Jadeja orchestrated a dramatic South African collapse on Day 2 of the first Test at Eden Gardens, leaving the visitors reeling at 93 for 7 and handing India a commanding position in the match.
Jadeja's Spin Masterclass Dominates Day 2
The left-arm spinner delivered a spectacular performance, claiming four crucial wickets for just 33 runs in his 17 overs. His victims included key batsmen Dean Elgar, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Keegan Petersen as South Africa's batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure.
India had earlier posted a competitive total of 245 in their first innings, with captain Rohit Sharma contributing 38 runs and Shardul Thakur adding a valuable 24. The Indian bowlers then took center stage, with Mohammed Siraj making the initial breakthrough by dismissing Aiden Markram early in the Proteas' innings.
South Africa's Batting Collapse
South Africa's response began disastrously and never recovered momentum. At stumps on Day 2, the visitors found themselves trailing India by 152 runs with only three wickets remaining. Marco Jansen remained unbeaten on 10, with Kagiso Rabada providing company on 5 not out.
The Proteas' batting card told a story of consistent failure: Dean Elgar managed 20 runs, Tony de Zorzi scraped together 2, Keegan Petersen reached 15, David Bedingham contributed 12, Kyle Verreynne added 15, and captain Temba Bavuma could only muster 11 runs before falling to Jadeja's spin web.
India's Commanding Position
With a substantial first-innings lead already established and South Africa's batting lineup in tatters, India finds itself in a dominant position to push for victory. The Eden Gardens pitch has shown increasing assistance to spinners as the match progresses, playing perfectly into the hands of India's spin-heavy attack.
The comprehensive performance by Jadeja, supported effectively by other bowlers, has put India firmly in control of the match. The team will look to wrap up the remaining South African wickets quickly on Day 3 and potentially enforce a follow-on to press home their advantage.
This commanding display comes as a significant boost for the Indian team in the World Test Championship cycle, demonstrating their strength in home conditions against a quality South African side.
