India vs South Africa Highlights: KL Rahul solid after Jasprit Bumrah magic, India take Day 1

India vs South Africa 1st Test Highlights

India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 1 IND vs SA: Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 12 to a testing Marco Jansen over, leaving KL Rahul to anchor the innings cautiously. Rahul and Washington Sundar made sure there were no further hiccups for the hosts as they reached stumps at 37 for 1. Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up a sensational five-wicket haul, striking twice more in the final session as South Africa were bowled out for 159. Siraj followed up Bumrah and Kuldeep’s early damage with two key strikes of his own, leaving South Africa tottering at seven down. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav struck again after lunch, picking up a wicket apiece and leaving South Africa wobbling at five down. Jasprit Bumrah led a strong opening session, claiming two key wickets with his pace and precision, while Kuldeep Yadav supported with a crucial scalp. South Africa reached 105/3 at lunch, struggling to build momentum against India on a tricky track. Temba Bavuma’s innings ended in frustration with a smart catch by Dhruv Jurel, as Kuldeep Yadav’s delivery saw him depart, leaving South Africa reeling at three wickets down. Jasprit Bumrah rocked the Proteas by claiming both openers in quick succession, with Aiden Markram soon falling after Ryan Rickelton's departure, leaving South Africa reeling early in their innings.

Shubman Gill suffered another setback at the toss as South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won it and elected to bat first. Rishabh Pant made his much-awaited return to the Indian side, boosting both the batting depth and wicketkeeping options. The Indian men’s team recovered well from a bruising series defeat at home to New Zealand last year as they thumped the West Indies in a pair of Test matches last month. However, the degree and difficulty of the challenge steps up as India tries to build a fresh streak of home dominance under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Next to visit are the World Test Champions, led by Temba Bavuma, as they tour India for the first time since 2019, aiming to maintain their strong run of form in 2025. It promises to be a challenge between two evenly matched teams as things get started in Kolkata, a venue which is in many ways India’s home of Test cricket, but one which is hosting a Test match for the first time in six years itself.

A lot for both teams to think about on a surface that is shaping up to be an excellent one for a game of cricket, with quality to burn on either side.

India vs South Africa Test matches head-to-head

India and South Africa have a tight record in their head-to-head contests, with the Proteas shading it by just two games at the time being. South Africa have won 18 Test matches, while India have won 16.

However, the story is very different when it comes to the recent past, particularly on Indian soil. In the last two tours, India have won 7 of the 8 matches, not losing a single one. They have also remained competitive in South Africa: in the two series held this decade, India have won 2 of the 5 matches against the Proteas, but haven’t been able to win a series there yet.

India vs South Africa playing XI

India have finalized a spin-heavy, all-rounder-focused XI for the upcoming Test, reflecting their flexible approach with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar anchoring the spin department. Rishabh Pant returns alongside Dhruv Jurel, with Nitish Kumar Reddy missing due to injury, further tipping the balance in favour of spin. Sai Sudharsan has been dropped to accommodate Axar Patel.

India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa have named a largely familiar XI for the Test, but pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is forced to miss out due to injury. Skipper Temba Bavuma returns to lead the side, while spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer will pose a threat to India with their contrasting styles. The rest of the lineup resembles the team that featured in the WTC final, with Aiden Markram and Bavuma expected to anchor the batting.

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj.

India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 1:

- KL Rahul and Washington Sundar made sure there were no further hiccups for the hosts as they reached stumps on Day 1 at 37 for 1.

- Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to Marco Jansen for 12, leaving KL Rahul to steady things with a cautious approach

- Jasprit Bumrah returned with 5/27 as South Africa bowled out for 159 on Day 1 in Kolkata.

- Axar Patel delivered just before tea to jolt South Africa to 154/8.

- Mohammed Siraj added two breakthroughs to Bumrah and Kuldeep’s early demolition job, reducing South Africa to seven down.

- Kuldeep Yadav spun his web again to get rid of Wiaan Mulder for 24 after lunch break.

- South Africa 105/3 in 27 overs (T de Zorzi 15*, W Mulder 22*; J Bumrah 2/9) against India at lunch on Day 1 in Kolkata.

- Jasprit Bumrah also got the better of Aiden Markram for 31 as South Africa under pressure.

- Jasprit Bumrah struck with a brilliant delivery to dismiss Ryan Rickelton for 23, ending South Africa’s opening stand.

- Mohammed Siraj leaked 25 runs in his first three overs.

- Sai Sudharsan had to sit out as India decided to add spin depth in the line-up by including Axar Patel in the XI.

- Shubman Gill faced more bad luck at the toss as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won and chose to bat first.