Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace leader, showed visible frustration during a crucial LBW call involving South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Day 1 of the first Test at Eden Gardens. The moment, which quickly went viral, unfolded during South Africa’s first innings on Friday, November 14, in what has already become a gripping start to the two-match series.
South Africa began strongly after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton stitched together a brisk 50-plus stand, putting early pressure on India’s bowlers. But Bumrah, operating with trademark precision, swung the momentum back in India’s favour by removing both openers in a fiery spell.
The flashpoint came in the 13th over. Bumrah delivered a sharp in-swinger that thudded into Bavuma’s back pad. Convinced he had his man, Bumrah went up instantly, only for on-field umpire Rod Tucker to reject the LBW appeal. The pacer’s disappointed reaction captured the intensity of the contest.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Bowls Ryan Rickelton To Give India Early Breakthrough At Eden Gardens
Bavuma, returning to the Test XI after missing the Pakistan tour due to injury, couldn’t make the most of his comeback. The South African skipper managed just 3 runs from 11 balls before he was undone by Kuldeep Yadav’s drift and turn, gloving a catch to Dhruv Jurel at leg slip. His dismissal left the Proteas reeling at 71 for 3 inside 16 overs, putting added pressure on him to deliver a stronger response in the second innings.
— crictalk (@crictalk7) November 14, 2025
Meanwhile, India’s team selection also generated discussion, particularly the exclusion of Sai Sudharsan. The management chose to draft in Washington Sundar, while Karun Nair had already been dropped following his underwhelming outings in the 2025 Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in England.
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Sudharsan’s recent returns for India A — 32, 12, 17, and 23 across two warm-up matches — didn’t help his case. Yet, his earlier performances against the West Indies, where he scored 87 and 39, had showcased his potential. The 24-year-old currently averages 30.33 from nine Test innings, with two half-centuries, and boasts 2,562 First-Class runs at 39.41 with eight hundreds — numbers that indicate he remains firmly in India’s long-term red-ball plans.
