‌AI Simulation, IND vs SA | India take early control on Day 1 as Gill and Rahul anchor innings

Pitch and Weather

Eden Gardens offered a classic Test wicket with a touch of morning moisture giving pacers some seam and bounce, while the surface was expected to assist spinners as the match wore on. Temperatures hovered around 28°C with humidity near 65%, and a light breeze provided some relief for bowlers in the afternoon session.

Toss

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of early seam movement under cloudy morning conditions.

Lineups

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreyne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada

Match Report

Opting to bat first, South Africa made early inroads with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen providing early pressure, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan cheaply. However, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul steadied India until Lunch with a measured century partnership, showing patience against disciplined seam bowling. Gill was particularly impressive, timing the ball well and rotating strike efficiently, while Rahul balanced attack and defense, racking up a solid 68.

After the first session, the pitch began to show slight signs of wear, allowing Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer to control the middle session, slowing India’s scoring rate. The spinners struck once each, maintaining pressure and forcing careful shot selection. Rishabh Pant provided late impetus, striking boundaries and a six as the sun set on the horizon, while Gill remained composed as he notched up his sixth Test cetury of 2025. India closed on 295/4, with Gill and Dhruv Jurel the incumbents at the crease.

South Africa’s bowlers managed to prevent India from accelerating too rapidly, but the top-order partnership has given India a solid platform to extend their lead on Day 2. The day saw disciplined bowling from the visitors, crucial partnerships from the hosts, and signs that spin could play a decisive role in the second session of the match.

Player of the Day

Shubman Gill was named the player of the day for his composed and authoritative 61-run innings, anchoring India’s innings and blunting the early South African attack.

Scoreline

IND 295/4 [Gill 123*, Rahul 68; Rabada 2/43] at Stumps on Day 1