The result leaves India on the back foot ahead of the second Test
Historic Upset: South Africa Beats India by 30 Runs at Eden Gardens After 15 Years
South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marking their first Test win in India in 15 years. India chased a modest target of 124 but collapsed to 93 all out, unable to counter the spin threat posed by the visitors.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer was the standout performer. He took eight wickets in the match and became Player of the Match. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma played a crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 55 in the second innings.
India’s innings suffered due to skipper Shubman Gill’s absence in the second innings because of a neck spasm. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant acknowledged that mounting pressure and South Africa’s key partnerships were decisive factors in India’s collapse.
Coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch. He said that the conditions were fair and the batting failures were due to India’s lapses.
The result leaves India on the back foot ahead of the second Test, where they must regroup, manage injuries, and strengthen partnerships against a confident South African side.
