India lost a close Test match to South Africa by 30 runs at Eden Gardens, a defeat that left India’s fans disappointed and their former captain Anil Kumble reflecting on the day’s challenges.
India put 189 on the board in the first innings, earning a narrow 30‑run advantage. Opener KL Rahul was the only Indian player to score more than 30, as the team fell apart after 153/4, losing the last five wickets for just 36 runs. On the final day, South Africa’s bowlers turned the tide. India tried to chase 124 but were bundled out for 93 in 35 overs.
Kumble said the pitch and weather gave South Africa a clear edge. “The surface helped spin and fast bowling,” he told JioStar. “The ball moved up and down, making batting tough. India didn’t come out in the right frame to use the wicket.” He added that India’s batting was shaken by the conditions and that missing a key batter in the second innings hurt the team. “With one fewer batter, the field was hard to adapt to,” Kumble said.
He praised South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma for a brilliant defence. “Bavuma guided the team well,” Kumble said. “He faced early pressure, was still at the crease when the wickets fell, and then set the field to keep the target low. His tactics were key to restricting us to 93.” Kumble also highlighted Bavuma’s constructive use of Aiden Markram’s off‑spin, which helped dismiss the valuable Washington Sundar.
The win gives South Africa a 1‑0 lead in the two‑match Test series and marks their first Test victory in India in 15 years. Anil Kumble applauded the South African bowlers’ deployment, noting their choice to use the right bowlers at the right time, especially the tall pace bowlers and the smart use of spinners. He said this approach, coupled with Bavuma’s strong captaincy, paid off even if South Africa paid a run penalty in the earlier over.
With India’s batting and the pitch conditions proving too much on day three, the final score shows South Africa’s skill and strategic depth. Their 30‑run win keeps India on the back foot, and the series will now be even more contested as both sides head into the next Test.
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