Fans erupt as Ravindra Jadeja’s 4-fer puts India in control on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa

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Day 2 of the India–South Africa first Test at Eden Gardens turned into yet another chapter dominated by bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja spearheading India’s charge. The left-arm all-rounder produced a brilliant bowling performance to leave South Africa effectively tottering at 63 for 7 in their second innings. With bad light forcing early stumps, the visitors face an uphill battle to stay alive in the contest.

India resumed day two on 37 for 1, hoping to stretch their advantage on a surface that continued to challenge the batters. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar began cautiously, navigating the morning session with composure. Their partnership took India to 75, offering a sense of stability. Yet, as the pattern of this Test had already suggested, every batter was just one good delivery away from trouble.

Simon Harmer’s introduction into the attack brought immediate impact. His first ball zipped past Sundar’s defence, and the very next delivery trapped the left-hander, breaking the stand that had looked India’s most assured of the innings. Shubman Gill arrived with intent, launching a slog-sweep early, but the aggressive stroke resulted in a neck spasm that forced him out for the rest of the day.

Rahul continued to fight hard, top-scoring with 39, while Rishabh Pant and Jadeja chipped in with valuable twenties. Still, India struggled to build a commanding total as the pitch offered unpredictable bounce for pacers and sharp turn for spinners. Every over seemed to hold a wicket-taking delivery, and India eventually folded without running away with the game.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja equals Kapil Dev’s monumental record on Day 2 of first Test

If batting was difficult in the first innings, South Africa soon discovered that their second outing would be even more treacherous. Jadeja, operating with relentless accuracy, unravelled the visitors’ lineup with a masterclass in control and deception. His 4/29 stood out not just for the number of wickets but for the timing of them—each breakthrough dragging South Africa deeper into trouble.

Kuldeep Yadav complemented him beautifully from the other end. His spell of 2/12 added to the pressure, consistently beating the bat and extracting sharp turn from the surface. The duo combined to exploit every crack, every hint of rough, and every moment of indecision from the batters. South Africa’s collapse was swift and dramatic, leaving them effectively 63 for 7, barely hanging on as stumps approached.

With just four minutes left on the clock, the umpires gathered for a light reading and decided conditions had deteriorated enough to call off the day’s proceedings. The decision confirmed what was already evident—another day thoroughly dominated by the bowlers. As the teams walked off, India stood firmly in control, poised to push for victory on Day 3 unless South Africa find an unlikely resurgence.

That will be Stumps on Day 2⃣! 🙌

4⃣ wickets for Ravindra Jadeja 2⃣ wickets for Kuldeep Yadav 1⃣ wicket for Axar Patel

An impressive show from #TeamIndia bowlers in the 2️⃣nd innings 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/okTBo3qxVH #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2025

Test cricket india vs South Africa the game almost over on 2nd day isn’t finished yet . What a mockery of test cricket #RIPTESTCRICKET

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 15, 2025

I actually don’t mind this by Jansen.If each player had this kind of boundary attempts or options, 2 or 3 boundaries per batter gets SA to 150, then it’s game on!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) November 15, 2025

Congratulations sir ravindra jadeja for 250 test wickets in Test cricket. 💗#ravindrajadeja

— अभि 🇮🇳 (@abhi7781_) November 15, 2025

4TH WICKET FOR RAVINDRA JADEJA. 🔥

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 15, 2025

THIS IS SIR JADEJA 🔥

– He cleans up Stubbs, What a bowler, he is making it easy for India.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 15, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja doing Ravindra Jadeja things again today…#ravindrajadeja #IPL2026 #IPLRetention #TestCricket https://t.co/TqL0jOnQZr

— Shlok Marathe (@Shlok16092) November 15, 2025

THIS MAN IS PURE CLASS 👌SIR RAVINDRA JADEJA 🔥#INDvSA #RavindraJadeja

— CricketPremi (@AkhandSharma9) November 15, 2025

It seems that South Africa will prove my statement right. Ravindra Jadeja's brilliant bowling has put South Africa in a difficult position and strengthened India's hold. https://t.co/is1qPmXG2Y

— ANKUR (@ankurs000) November 15, 2025

Sir Ravindra Jadeja doing what he does best in test cricket 🏏

— Naushin Pathan (@NaushinPathan10) November 15, 2025

🚨 STUMP ON DAY 2. 🚨

– Ravindra Jadeja: 4/29– Kuldeep Yadav: 2/12– Axar Patel: 1/30

India dominating on Day 2 at Eden Garden.

— Sam (@Cricsam01) November 15, 2025

India's X factor in home dominance especially in this format & one of India's greatest match winner in this format.Modern Day great Sir Rockstar Ravindra Jadeja #INDvsSA

— Archisman Mishra (@iamarchis16) November 15, 2025

STUMPS ON DAY 2 AT EDEN GARDENS.

South Africa 93/7 & lead by 63 runs & Temba Bavuma – 29*

Ravindra Jadeja 4 & kuldeep yadav 2 wickets.

– THE DOMINANCE OF TEAM INDIA.🇮🇳

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) November 15, 2025

Also WATCH – IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja cleans up Tristan Stubbs with a ripper to pick his 250th Test wicket on home soil