India crashed to a vicious defeat on a stunning Eden Gardens pitch, losing the first Test to South Africa after collapsing in a challenging chase of 124 in Kolkata. A target that looked routine on paper turned into a full-blown crisis as Simon Harmer led a South African bowling attack that ran through a brittle batting line-up, missing injured captain Shubman Gill.
From the moment the chase began, the surface offered steep turns, inconsistent bounce, and sharp grip, making stroke-making nearly impossible. India’s top order fell in crumbles, unable to counter Harmer’s relentless accuracy and Keshav Maharaj’s subtle variations. Long partnerships never settled, and every batter looked one good ball away from dismissal. With Gill absent and the middle order under pressure, panic crept in as South Africa tightened the field and applied sustained pressure.
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Despite a few defiant moments, India never looked fully in control. Harmer’s breakthroughs triggered the slide, removing key batters and exposing the lower order far too early. As wickets tumbled, the required runs felt increasingly distant, even though the target remained modest. The tension inside Eden Gardens was palpable as South Africa sensed an opportunity to script a famous win.
The final blow came when Maharaj wrapped up the innings with two wickets in two balls, leaving India stranded at 93 all out. His ability to exploit the rough patches and force errors proved decisive in the closing stages. What seemed like a straightforward chase turned into a harsh lesson in handling deteriorating conditions.
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This defeat leaves India trailing 0–1 in the series and searching for answers after a rare batting meltdown at home. With the next Test approaching quickly, the team will need to regroup, reassess, and rediscover composure against a confident South African spin attack.
