IND vs SA 2025: High-Voltage Test Series Begins in Kolkata — Live Updates & Key Highlights

A Roaring Start to the Test Series at Eden Gardens!

The much-anticipated Test series between India and South Africa has kicked off with a bang at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata! This high-stakes clash is the first of a two-match series and is a crucial part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, with passionate Kolkata fans welcoming Test cricket back after a long wait. Both teams, led by India’s Shubman Gill and South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, are determined to start the series with a win, making this a true battle of skill and strategy.

Day 1: A Bowler’s Day Dominating the Proteas

The first day’s play saw the bowlers take centre stage, particularly the Indian pace attack. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to put a big score on the board. However, the Indian bowlers had other plans. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, was exceptional, bowling with incredible accuracy and pace on a pitch that offered some early assistance. He quickly ran through the South African batting order, taking an outstanding five-wicket haul (5/27) to dismantle the visitors for a modest total of 159 runs.

India’s Response and Key Milestones

India’s innings had a mixed start. While opener KL Rahul held firm, the team lost an early wicket to South African pacer Marco Jansen. The poor light forced an early end to the day’s play, with India ending on 37/1, trailing by 122 runs.

Day 2 saw a dramatic turn of events. India’s middle order fought back strongly, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja forming a crucial partnership to take India into the lead. The day also saw a massive personal achievement: Ravindra Jadeja joined an elite group of Test all-rounders by completing the rare double of 4,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket—a truly spectacular milestone! The innings, however, had its ups and downs, including a brief scare when Captain Shubman Gill had to retire hurt.

The Race is On: Who Will Take Control?

At the close of Day 2, the match is perfectly poised. South Africa, despite their small first-innings total, are fighting hard in their second innings to set a challenging target for the hosts. The pitch is starting to show signs of wear and tear, and the Indian spinners—especially Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav—will become increasingly dangerous as the game moves forward. This Test is turning into a fantastic contest between bat and ball, with every session proving to be crucial.

The coming days promise thrilling cricket as both teams aim for a series lead. Will India’s powerful batting line-up chase down any target, or will the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, find a way to take control and win a historic Test in India? Stay tuned for more live updates!