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.

UNICEF India has appointed National Award-winning actor Keerthy Suresh as a Celebrity Advocate. An influential actor celebrated across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, Keerthy joins a distinguished group of personalities who champion the rights of children with UNICEF. In this role, she will lend her voice and influence to advance children’s and adolescents’ mental health and well-being, along with other key child rights priorities, helping to build greater awareness and action for every child.

Keerthy is known for her thoughtful portrayal of women who challenge social barrier.  Her choice of films reflects her belief in gender equality, empowerment, and social change.With UNICEF, the actor will advocate onmental health, education and gender equality – causes that Keerthy supports both on and off screen.

“UNICEF India is pleased to join hands with esteemed actor, Keerthy Suresh. Her profound connection with audiences provides a powerful and inspiring platform to advocate for children’s rights and well-being. As UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, she brings passion and influence to our shared mission to reach every child, every young person – especially the most vulnerable – with the quality support and services they need to be safe, healthy and equipped to pursue their dreams,” said Cynthia McCaffrey, Representative, UNICEF India.

“Children are our greatest responsibility and our greatest hope. I have always believed that nurturing, loving care builds the foundation for children to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. I am honoured to join hands with UNICEF India to raise awareness and inspire action so that every child, regardless of background or ability, can thrive,” said Keerthy Suresh.

Mental health is an integral component of health and well-being and influences academic, social and economic outcomes across the lifespan. Having good mental health means being better able to interact with others, function, cope and thrive. It is a basic human right. Positive mental health and well-being are essential for children to reach their full potential.

In India, nearly 50 million children and adolescents are affected by mental health challenges, yet few seek support due to stigma and limited access to services. UNICEF works with the government and partners to raise awareness, break the stigma, and expand access to mental health and psychosocial support for every child.