Jasprit Bumrah reminded the cricketing world exactly why he is regarded as one of India’s greatest modern-day pacers as he tore through South Africa’s tail within minutes after the Tea break on Day 1 of the first Test at Eden Gardens. Returning for a fresh spell, Bumrah needed barely two overs to wrap up the innings, sealing his five-wicket haul with the dismissals of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj in the same over. It was a classic Bumrah burst—sharp, precise, and ruthlessly efficient.
India, backed by four spinners and Bumrah leading the pace attack, had already reduced South Africa to eight down by Tea. The Kolkata surface offered just enough assistance, and Bumrah, with his natural ability to extract movement even from docile tracks, took full advantage.
Bowling the second over of his new spell, he was struck for a boundary early on but responded in trademark fashion—by tightening his lines, increasing his intensity, and going straight for the stumps. His first strike of the spell came against Harmer, who never looked settled. Bumrah delivered a good-length ball outside off that jagged sharply back in, sneaking under Harmer’s hesitant bat before crashing into the off stump.
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The Proteas batter was left shell-shocked, while Bumrah offered only a knowing, mischievous smile—a familiar sight for fans who’ve watched him dismantle batting orders for years.
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The over had more drama in store. On the final ball, Bumrah produced a vicious in-swinging yorker aimed straight at Keshav Maharaj’s boots. The left-hander couldn’t bring his leg down in time, and the ball smashed into his toes in front of middle and leg. The Indian appeal was instant and loud, and umpire Rod Tucker had no hesitation in raising the finger. With no reviews remaining, Maharaj had to walk back as Bumrah completed a sensational five-for with figures of 14-5-27-5.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) November 14, 2025
South Africa folded for just 159, with Aiden Markram top-scoring with 31. Several others—Rickelton, Mulder, de Zorzi, Stubbs, and Verreynne—got starts but couldn’t convert against the relentless Indian attack.
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This performance was especially significant for Bumrah, who hadn’t been at his fiery best in the recent West Indies and Australia series despite picking up wickets. But in Kolkata, he rediscovered his rhythm and menace, becoming the first Indian pacer since Ishant Sharma in 2019 (also at Eden Gardens) to claim a five-wicket haul at the venue. His 16th Test five-for places him alongside Bhagwat Chandrasekhar on India’s elite list, reaffirming his stature as one of India’s finest fast bowlers ever.
