Steyn's Blueprint: Bumrah's Mastery and Siraj's Spirit Dominate Day 1
India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, produced a bowling masterclass, claiming his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, to dismantle South Africa for a mere 159 runs on the opening day of the first Test at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on Friday, November 14, 2025. This dominant performance put the hosts in a commanding position, a feat broken down and praised by none other than former South African speedster Dale Steyn.
The Art of Fast Bowling: Bumrah's Miserly Spell
Steyn, speaking to JioHotstar after the day's play, was effusive in his praise for Bumrah, labelling his performance as the "blueprint for the day." He emphasized that it wasn't just about the wickets but the relentless accuracy and discipline. Bumrah was phenomenally economical, conceding runs at a rate of just 1.92 per over. Steyn pointed out that Bumrah hit the deck hard, avoided half-volleys, targeted the stumps, and forced batsmen to score mainly through edges down to third man. This, according to Steyn, is the exact template for success on such a pitch.
Legendary Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble concurred with this assessment, adding that Bumrah quickly adapted to the conditions. Realizing there wasn't much conventional swing on offer, Bumrah focused on hitting hard lengths and varying his pace, effectively controlling the game and sowing doubt in the batters' minds. Steyn also highlighted Bumrah's skiddy pace, often going underneath the bat despite a hard length, making him nearly unplayable at speeds of 140-145 km/h.
Heart on His Sleeve: Siraj's Resilient Comeback
While Bumrah's spell was the headline act, the day presented a contrasting arc for his fellow pacer, Mohammed Siraj. After a difficult start with the new ball, Siraj showcased his immense character by making a stellar comeback with the old ball. He found some reverse swing and delivered a crucial over where he snapped up two wickets, proving his value to the side once again.
Dale Steyn was particularly impressed by Siraj's indefatigable spirit. "It's all heart; the guy doesn't stop," Steyn remarked. He praised Siraj's ability to bowl long, demanding spells of 8-9 overs and his knack for delivering breakthroughs whenever his captain throws him the ball. Steyn drew a parallel to Siraj's performance during the recent English summer, where he waited patiently through four Tests before his perseverance paid off with a rich haul in the final match. This ability to stay positive and adapt, according to Steyn, is what makes Siraj such a vital asset.
With India firmly in the driver's seat after Day 1, the performances of these two lead pacers, one defined by impeccable craft and the other by unyielding heart, have set a formidable tone for the remainder of the Test match.
