Jasprit Bumrah has now equaled the record for 5th most fifers for Team India in Tests, with 16. (Credit – Agencies)
India’s opening day against South Africa at Eden Gardens belonged to Jasprit Bumrah, and the fast bowler was quick to downplay any talk of magic after his decisive five-wicket haul. Instead, he credited patience and discipline for shaping India’s strong position in the first Test.Bumrah’s 5/27 dismantled South Africa for 159 in 55 overs on a surface offering variable bounce but also quick scoring if bowlers drifted. India finished the day in control, with room left for their batters to take the game by the horns when play resumes on Saturday. Speaking after stumps, Bumrah said his approach was built on resisting the temptation to chase unplanned breakthroughs. “If you want success, you need patience,” he said, adding that the conditions demanded focus rather than searching for miracle deliveries. “Obviously, this is a wicket where the outfield is fast and the wicket is hard. If you’re too desperate or you go for a magic ball, the runs come too fast.” He needed time to settle into his rhythm, going wicketless in his first five overs before hitting stride. His first strike came with a seaming ball that sent Ryan Rickelton’s stumps flying, opening the door for India. In his next spell, Bumrah prised out Aiden Markram for 31 with a rising delivery that brushed the glove and carried to a diving Rishabh Pant. Both dismissals shifted momentum firmly India’s way. While India chose four spinners on a pitch expected to take turn later in the match, it was Bumrah who led the attack through three tightly controlled spells. “You need to control your temptation and build pressure and see what are the tough run-scoring options,” he said. “If you continuously bowl in good areas, you’ll get wickets.” Despite the dominance, Bumrah kept the larger picture in view. “Feels very good,” he said of his haul, before noting the challenge of making an impact in a spin-heavy line-up. “Very happy with the performance but job is still left in the Test match.”
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South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince admitted his side had been outplayed. “It was a sensational bowling display, particularly from Bumrah,” Prince said, also acknowledging the contribution of India’s spinners. With Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav adding two wickets each, India ended the day well ahead, leaving the second day poised to shape the direction of the Test and potentially take a substantial lead. At stumps on Day 1, India trailed by 122 runs.
