Ravindra Jadeja turned the match on its head and left South Africa limping at 93/7 on Day 2 of the first Test being played at Eden Gardens stadium on November 15. India staged a stunning comeback after being skittled out for 189. Despite the collapse, India managed to secure a crucial 30-run first-innings lead over South Africa's total of 159. Earlier in the day, India had reached 138 for 4 by lunch, needing only 22 more runs to surpass South Africa's initial score. India's momentum, however, was disrupted when key batsmen Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul fell, and concerns arose as opener Shubman Gill had to leave the field due to a neck injury shortly after Washington Sundar was dismissed by Harmer. Before these setbacks, KL Rahul and Washington Sundar had played a watchful partnership, keeping India's run rate just above two.
South Africa began their second innings facing a deficit, and were immediately put under intense pressure by the Indian bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja was the chief wrecker, ripping through South Africa's middle order with a superb four-wicket spell. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also contributed significantly, striking twice to remove Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen. By Stumps on Day 2, South Africa had struggled to reach 93/7 in 35 overs. This left them with a lead of 63 runs, setting up a potentially thrilling conclusion to the opening Test. However, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is still intact on the crease on the score of 29 with Corbin Bosch by his side at 1.