The South African cricket team has carved out a historic win at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Under Temba Bavuma's leadership, the African side did not allow India to chase a total of 124 runs, clinching the match by 30 runs. This victory holds special significance for South Africa as they triumphed over India in Test cricket for the first time in 15 years. With this win, the Proteas lead the 2-match series 1-0. But what led to India’s embarrassing defeat? Here are 5 reasons...
Batting Disappointment: Aggression Backfired
In both innings of the Kolkata Test, India's batting was completely below par. In the first innings, India scored a total of 189 runs, but none of the batsmen managed a fifty. The top order collapsed, while the middle order adopted a T20-like approach, on a pitch that didn't support such aggression. Consequently, India gained only a marginal lead.
Second Innings Batting Collapse
Instead of learning from the first innings, India performed even worse in the second innings. South Africa set a modest target of 124 runs. It was only the third day's play, yet Indian batsmen failed from the start. The opening pair faltered. Yashasvi failed notably in both innings. The team collapsed at 93 runs.
Also read: IND vs SA Highlights: Surrender to Simon Harmer - Failed to Chase 124, South Africa Wins Kolkata Test
Struggles Against Spin
In both innings, Indian batsmen, known for their proficiency against spin, struggled gravely. None managed to efficiently play the spinners. Pant attempted unconventional shots from the first ball, while Jurel threw his wicket away. No batsman could build a long innings, culminating in a collapse at 93 runs.
Yashasvi’s Poor Show, Pant Lacked Patience
A significant factor in the defeat was Yashasvi’s failure. He struggled in both innings and was dismissed for a duck in the second. Pant scored 27 runs in the first innings but showed impatience by adopting an attacking approach from the first ball in the second innings, when patience was needed, resulting in a meager 2-run dismissal.
Also read: Captain Shubman Gill's Health Status? BCCI Update: He Will Not Play in Kolkata Test
Gill's Injury Was a Factor
Gill's injury also contributed to the loss. During the first innings, he faced only three deliveries before being forced off due to neck pain. He was absent from batting in the second innings. The Indian team fielded with one less batsman, impacting their strategy.
Lack of Experience and Patience
In summary, the defeat can be attributed to a lack of experience and patience within the team. When an early collapse occurred chasing a target of 124, patience was required. However, the batsmen couldn't hold their ground nor build partnerships. The only player who faced more than 50 balls was Sundar, while no one else showed similar resilience.
Match Recap
South Africa scored 159 runs in the first innings. In response, India posted 189 runs, gaining a 30-run lead. In the second innings, Indian bowlers dismissed South Africa for 153, with Bavuma scoring an unbeaten 55. India needed 124 runs for victory but were dismissed for 93, with Sundar top-scoring with 31 runs.
