Jasprit Bumrah Fiery Spell Puts India in Command Against South Africa at Eden Gardens | Kolkata – 2025
In a sensational display of seam and swing bowling, Jasprit Bumrah reminded the cricketing world why he remains India’s premier fast-bowling weapon, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup on Day 1 of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Bumrah’s brilliant spell of 5 for 32 saw South Africa bowled out for just 159 runs before tea, giving India a strong foothold in the match. By stumps, India stood at 37 for 1, with KL Rahul (21)* and Washington Sundar (14)* holding firm after the early loss of Rohit Sharma.
🔥Jasprit Bumrah Breathes Fire in Kolkata
Eden Gardens has often seen bowling brilliance — from Kapil Dev’s swing to Ishant Sharma’s bounce — but on this humid Kolkata morning, it was Jasprit Bumrah’s turn to write a new chapter.
Operating with relentless accuracy, Jasprit Bumrah used both conventional and reverse swing to torment the Proteas. His dismissal of Aiden Markram, who was clean bowled by a searing yorker that swung late, set the tone for what was to follow.
From the other end, Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar provided ideal support, maintaining pressure that forced errors from the South African top order. Within the first session, the visitors were reduced to 68 for 5, a collapse reminiscent of their past struggles in subcontinent conditions.
Bumrah’s most striking wicket came when he trapped Temba Bavuma plumb in front with a delivery that jagged back sharply. His ability to extract movement even as the ball aged was a testament to his fitness and technical mastery.
He completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Marco Jansen, drawing a standing ovation from a near-packed Eden crowd. The sight of Bumrah running off with his trademark calm celebration — arms aloft, head slightly bowed — was symbolic of India’s dominance.
🏏 South Africa’s Brief Resistance – Jasprit Bumrah
Amid the ruins, David Miller provided some resistance with a fighting 47 off 68 balls, counterattacking with crisp drives and pulls. However, he found little support as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
Keegan Petersen (23) and Kyle Verreynne (19) showed glimpses of grit, but neither could convert their starts into meaningful innings. Once Bumrah returned for his second spell, he ended any hopes of a late revival.
Ravindra Jadeja, returning from injury, bowled economically and picked up the wicket of Gerald Coetzee, while Ravichandran Ashwin, bowling from the High Court End, tightened the screws with sustained accuracy, finishing with 1 for 24.
South Africa’s innings folded in 54.2 overs — a total that left captain Dean Elgar visibly frustrated, especially after choosing to bat first on a dry pitch expected to deteriorate later in the game.
🇮🇳 India’s Steady Start – Jasprit Bumrah
In reply, India began cautiously. Captain Rohit Sharma struck two elegant boundaries before falling to a rising delivery from Kagiso Rabada for 10. The ball took the edge and was smartly caught in the slips by Markram.
From there, KL Rahul and Washington Sundar weathered the new ball threat, showcasing patience and sound shot selection. Rahul’s calm footwork and Sundar’s defensive solidity steadied India as the pair guided the team to stumps without further loss.
India finished Day 1 at 37/1, trailing by 122 runs but well ahead in terms of momentum and confidence.
⚡ Looking Ahead
With the pitch already showing early signs of uneven bounce, batting will only get tougher as the match progresses. India’s strategy on Day 2 will likely focus on building a solid first-innings lead before letting their spinners — Jadeja and Ashwin — exploit the surface.
For South Africa, the key lies in early breakthroughs on Day 2. Their pace trio of Rabada, Ngidi, and Coetzee will need to deliver a spell similar to Bumrah’s to pull their team back into contention.
🏁 Day 1 Summary
South Africa: 159 all out (David Miller 47; Bumrah 5/32, Siraj 2/35)
India: 37/1 (KL Rahul 21*, Washington Sundar 14*; Rabada 1/19)
India trail by 122 runs with nine wickets in hand.
As the sun set behind the Eden stands, the echoes of Bumrah’s booming deliveries lingered — a reminder that when India’s pace spearhead finds rhythm, few batting lineups in the world are safe
Follow BiGG Sports News for Sports Stories
About the Author
