Struggling India at 10-2 in 1st Test vs South Africa as Gill Hospitalized While Chasing 124
South Africa achieved a remarkable 30-run victory over India in the first Test match held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 16, 2025. This win marks South Africa’s first Test victory in India in 15 years, as they lead the two-match series 1-0.
India’s Struggles and Key Events
Chasing a target of 124 runs, India suffered a dramatic collapse, being bowled out for just 93 runs in their second innings. This defeat signifies the second-lowest fourth-innings target India has failed to chase down in Test history, following their 120-run chase against West Indies in 1997.
Simon Harmer was instrumental in South Africa’s win, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs, while Keshav Maharaj contributed with 2 wickets for 37 runs. All-rounder Marco Jansen also took 2 wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 15. Overall, this is the second-lowest total defended by South Africa in Tests and the second-lowest total defended in India.
Impact of Shubman Gill’s Absence
India was already facing challenges when captain Shubman Gill was hospitalized due to a neck spasm sustained while batting on day two. His absence left India down to 10 for 2 before lunch, effectively 10 for 3. This situation worsened as India struggled to build momentum in the chase.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Caught behind for a four-ball duck.
- Lokesh Rahul: Dismissed for 1 run.
Post-lunch, the partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar provided some hope, adding 32 runs for the third wicket. However, the team’s stability crumbled again as Jurel fell victim to Harmer’s bowling.
Notable Performances and Statistics
Rishabh Pant, struggling to find his rhythm, scored just 2 runs before being dismissed by Harmer. Ravindra Jadeja contributed 18 runs before becoming another victim of Harmer’s spin. Washington Sundar played a resilient innings, scoring 31 runs off 92 balls, but his dismissal marked a crucial turning point in the match.
South Africa’s batting was guided by Temba Bavuma, who scored an unbeaten 55 runs. His performance was pivotal, as he added crucial runs in the second innings to post a challenging score for India to chase.
Review of Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Eden Gardens received criticism for its role in the swift conclusion of the match. Anil Kumble, the former Indian cricketer, noted that the pitch posed significant challenges for the batters. While some attributed the loss to the conditions, India’s coach Gautam Gambhir insisted there was nothing wrong with the pitch and highlighted the team’s inability to handle the pressure.
Looking Ahead
India now faces significant pressure heading into the second Test, set to commence on November 22. To salvage the series, India must address their recent struggles at home, particularly against spin-friendly pitches.
As they prepare for their next encounter in Guwahati, the team will need to regroup and strategize effectively to overcome the challenges posed by South Africa.
