India faced an unexpected setback on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata as captain Shubman Gill briefly left the field after facing just three balls, creating an early injury concern for the hosts. The incident occurred shortly after India lost their No. 3 batter Washington Sundar, who fell for 29 during the morning session.

India steady after early wicket

India resumed Day 2 at Eden Gardens trailing South Africa by 80 runs and reached 79/2 after 35 overs, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill at the crease. Rahul, who has looked composed throughout the innings, crossed the 4,000 Test-run mark with a boundary off the first over of the day.

Sundar, promoted to No. 3, displayed solid defensive temperament and struck a series of elegant strokes—including a six over long-off—but was dismissed while attempting to block spinner Simon Harmer, edging to Aiden Markram at slip.

Day 1 belonged to Jasprit Bumrah

India entered Day 2 in a commanding position after bowling out South Africa for 159 on the opening day. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance, picking up a five-wicket haul on a surface that drew criticism from South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince, who raised concerns over inconsistent bounce.

Rahul shows resilience, Gill’s brief stay raises concern

Rahul continued his disciplined batting approach, adding crucial runs with cautious strokeplay. His partnership with Sundar earlier in the session helped India maintain stability.

Gill’s entrance was greeted with loud cheers from the Eden Gardens crowd, but his quick departure from the field raised concerns. The extent of the issue was not mentioned in the provided details.

India gained firm control on the opening day of the first Test in Kolkata as Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav delivered decisive breakthroughs to leave South Africa struggling at 136/5 after 40 overs. The visitors, who won the toss and opted to bat, lost two wickets in the second session, with Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreyne trying to steady the innings.

South Africa’s early momentum, driven by openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, faded once Bumrah dismantled the opening stand with two quick wickets. Kuldeep Yadav then removed captain Temba Bavuma, putting India in command going into the Lunch break.

Kuldeep strikes after Lunch; missed chance denies him another

Kuldeep Yadav picked up where he left off, this time trapping Wiaan Mulder LBW as the batter misjudged a reverse-sweep. The review couldn’t save him, confirming three reds. Moments later, South Africa survived a scare when a mix-up between Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill allowed an outside edge from Verreyne to race for four. Another half-chance went down the very next ball at short-leg.

Bumrah’s fiery spell rattles South Africa

Returning for a fresh spell, Bumrah struck immediately with an inswinger that trapped Tony de Zorzi plumb in front. The decision was upheld after review, leaving the Proteas in deeper trouble. Earlier, Bumrah nearly dismissed Verreyne with a reverse-swinging yorker that drew a massive appeal.

Before Lunch, the No. 1 Test bowler had delivered a sensational spell of 7 overs, 4 maidens, 9 runs and 2 wickets, breaking SA’s strong start.

South Africa bank on lower-order depth

Despite losing half their side, South Africa’s long batting lineup—featuring Stubbs, Verreyne, Harmer, Bosch, Jansen and Maharaj—remains their hope of recovery. The pair at the crease continued to assess the conditions, cautiously rotating strike and capitalising on loose deliveries.

India showcased a dominant all-round display to outclass Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland, clinching a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The visitors bundled out Australia for just 119 after setting a competitive 167/8.

Axar, Dube, and Sundar shine as bowlers seal victory

After opting to bat, Shubman Gill top-scored with 46, while captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 20 off 10 balls. Useful cameos from Axar Patel and Shivam Dube lifted India to a respectable total despite regular wickets.

In reply, Australia’s chase never gathered momentum. Axar Patel and Shivam Dube claimed two wickets each, while Washington Sundar’s late burst (3 wickets) dismantled the lower order. Jasprit Bumrah bowled with precision and picked up a vital wicket in the death overs.

Australia’s middle order collapsed dramatically, losing their final seven wickets for just 28 runs. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis failed to revive the innings, as India’s disciplined attack wrapped up the game inside 19 overs.

India one step away from series win

The victory gives India a 2-1 advantage ahead of the final T20I, set to be played later this week. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical bowling changes and sharp use of DRS also stood out, earning him praise for his leadership on the field.