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India's vice captain Rishabh Pant admitted that his team should have been able to chase down the lowly target of 124 runs, which proved too much for them in the first Test against South Africa. India suffered a 30-run defeat against Proteas while chasing a modest total and were bundled out for just 93 runs on Day 3, which gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Notably, this was India's first loss at the Eden Gardens since 2013. Hosts India went down to South Africa by 30 runs in the first Test. This was not an ordinary win for South Africa as they registered their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years, a feat last accomplished in 2010.
India crumble under pressure while chasing 124-run target
On Day 3, India began their chase, needing 124 runs after bowling South Africa out for 153. However, the innings quickly faltered as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul lost their wickets early, leaving India reeling at 1-2 within the first three overs. Although Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel (25) showed some resistance, the remainder of the batting line-up crumbled against the disciplined Proteas bowling attack, particularly the off-spinner Simon Harmer. Once Axar Patel's wicket fell, India's tail added only one run before the team was bowled out for a meager 93. Harmer finished with impressive figures of 4/21 from 14 overs, supported by Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, who each claimed two wickets.
That partnership between Temba Bavuma, Corbin Bosch hurt us: Rishabh Pant
After the match, Pant said that the team should not dwell excessively on the loss but conceded that chasing the target was well within their capability. He credited South Africa's crucial partnership between Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch for putting India on the back foot and hurt them badly. Bavuma (55) and Bosch (25) stitched together a crucial 44-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
"After a game like this, you can't dwell into it too much. We should have been able to chase it. The pressure kept on building. We didn't capitalise enough. Temba and Bosch had a good stand in the morning. That partnership between them hurt us. There was help from the wicket. A score of 120 can be tricky on these surfaces. But having said that, we should be able to soak in the pressure and capitalise. We haven't thought on the improvements but we will come back strong for sure," Pant said during the post-match presentation.
South Africa peg back India in 1st Test
In the first innings, South Africa were bowled out for 159 after India elected to bowl on a pitch that presented variable bounce, making batting difficult. India, however, found the conditions equally challenging and were dismissed for 189. KL Rahul was the top scorer with a resilient 39, while Rishabh Pant provided a quick-fire 27 off just 24 balls. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed a valuable 27 runs, helping India secure a slim 30-run first-innings lead. For the Proteas, Simon Harmer was the standout bowler with a four-wicket haul, and Marco Jansen supported him by claiming three wickets.
Trailing by 30 runs, South Africa posted 153 in their second innings, setting India a target of 124. The visitors' batters largely struggled against Ravindra Jadeja's spin, but Captain Temba Bavuma showcased exceptional resilience, scoring a gritty 55—the only half-century of the entire match. Corbin Bosch also added a valuable 25 runs to sustain the innings. Jadeja led the Indian bowling attack with figures of 4 for 50 from 20 overs. He was well supported by Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, who claimed two wickets each, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah accounted for one wicket apiece.
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