Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational spell at Eden Gardens on Friday, stunning South Africa with pace and precision. He claimed 5 for 27 and became the first bowler since Dale Steyn in 2008 to take a five-wicket haul on the opening day of a Test match in India. His effort rattled South Africa, who folded for 159 in just over two sessions.
Bumrah struck early and often. He removed Ryan Rickelton to break the opening stand, lifting the crowd to its feet. He then dismissed Aiden Markram with a sharp rising ball that Rishabh Pant caught brilliantly on his return to Test cricket. Tony de Zorzi resisted for a while, but Bumrah removed him with an inswinger that smashed the stumps.
Kuldeep Yadav supported the pressure. He removed Temba Bavuma for three and trapped Wiaan Mulder before the break. Bumrah later struck twice after tea, removing Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj to complete his five-for.
The haul pushed Bumrah to 16 five-wicket takes in just 51 Tests, matching India legend Bhagwat Chandrasekhar. His dominance showed once again why he remains one of the most dangerous red-ball pacers in modern cricket.
