South Africa’s tour of India kicked off with confidence as captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram made full use of the conditions, giving their side a brisk start. Rickelton was aggressive from the outset, striking two delightful boundaries off the first four balls he faced from Mohammed Siraj.
Aiden Markram, meanwhile, absorbed pressure early, playing 22 dot balls before opening his account with a gorgeous straight drive off Mohammed Siraj. He struggled to find rhythm, conceding 25 runs in his three overs and prompting India captain Shubman Gill to turn to spin early.
Jasprit Bumrah, however, bowled with remarkable discipline from the other end, giving away just two runs in his first four overs and keeping the pressure firmly on South Africa.
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Axar Patel was introduced as early as the eighth over, but he too was struck for a couple of boundaries as the visitors continued to attack. Observing Siraj’s inconsistent start, Ravichandran Ashwin voiced his concern on X, noting that India needed far more control with the new ball—though he later clarified that his remark wasn’t personal, just situational.
When you lose the toss, that’s exactly the first spell you don’t want from your new ball bowler.
Hope India can exert control through spin. #INDvSA
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 14, 2025
The momentum shifted once Bumrah returned. With trademark precision, he dismantled the opening stand by cleaning up Rickelton for 23, ending a 57-run partnership. Soon after, he removed Markram for 31, getting him caught behind to put India firmly back in the contest.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah’s LBW Appeal On Bavuma Sparks Meme Fest As Pant Troll Him Over Height
Kuldeep Yadav strengthened India’s grip by striking in his second over, dismissing Bavuma for just 3. What began as a promising start for South Africa quickly turned into a rebuilding phase, as India’s bowlers clawed their way back through intelligent variations and disciplined spells.
