In a stunning upset, South Africa beat India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday, ending the rivals’ unbeaten streak at the iconic venue. India’s chase of just 124 runs fell apart as their top order crumbled under pressure. The absence of captain Shubman Gill was a big blow as he couldn’t bat due to a neck injury he picked up earlier in the match.

Following their loss, India have fallen to 4th position in the World Test Championship rankings, having registered 4 wins and 3 losses from 8 matches. Australia remain firmly at the top, with a flawless record of 3 victories from as many matches. South Africa have moved up to second place, with 2 wins and a defeat from 3 games, while Sri Lanka hold the third spot with 1 win and 1 draw in 2 outings.

The pitch conditions quickly became the centre of discussion, especially with the Test wrapping up inside three days. The surface offered turn and unpredictable bounce, putting batters on the back foot.

Jasprit Bumrah lit up the first innings with a spell of sheer class, bagging 5/27 and blowing away South Africa for 159. India gained a lead of 30 runs after amassing 189. KL Rahul batted well, but Shubman Gill’s neck injury from the first innings forced the skipper to sit out the rest of the match.

South Africa’s second innings was all about Temba Bavuma, who stood firm with a score of 55 not out. Other batters failed to make an impact on a surface that made scoring difficult. The visitors managed 153, setting India a target of 124. However, the chase turned into a nightmare as the pitch remained unpredictable and South Africa’s bowlers were spot on.