What India’s Spin Storm Has Already Done to Put South Africa on the Back Foot

There are times in test cricket where reason is ignored, where the pitch is playing like a joke, and where it appears as though only one person is writing this story. That was day 2 at Kolkata. The Indians were dismissed for 189 and were forced to squeeze themselves into a precarious 30-run advantage, and were on the verge of losing their momentum. However, by the end of the day, the game had turned enough for it to appear that South Africa was able to survive solely because of the fact that Temba Bavuma could not be defeated.

It is clear to anyone watching the 93/7 and 63 lead with Ravindra Jadeja (on what would be his last match for Chennai Super Kings) that this has been Jadeja’s audition for “that guy.” Jadeja did himself proud in bowling 4/29 on a surface that showed up each of Jadeja’s technical shortcuts and punished every nervous prod from South African batsmen. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were Jadeja’s backing pair, and they put the South African batting lineup in a state of panic.

Jadeja Turns Sentiment Into a Weapon

The emotional aftermath of his CSK departure did not leave Jadeja emotionally detached from the start of this test, but what was so impressive about him was his ability to convert the emotion into brutal ruthlessness. With the removal of Aiden Markram, things went into high gear. Mulder and de Zorzi fell in the same over, two deliveries that were clearly a far cry from being cricket balls; they were more akin to eviction notices.

It was not just a display of skill; it was a demonstration of how to manage the pressure. He bowled quickly or slowly, straight down the middle of the wickets or wide of off stump, regardless of the pace or trajectory he used; he was going to use tempo to suffocate the batters, making them make mistakes that they had been avoiding for at least 10 overs before that point.

South Africa’s Technical Gamble Backfires

The two choices for foreign teams touring India are to hit aggressively with all-out force, using big sweeps and powerful shots, or be old school with slow hands, delayed bat contact, and an inability to get frustrated. The South African team did neither effectively. Rickelton seemed to be stuck on his feet while trying to get out of the way of the ball; Markram poked at the ball; DeZorzi seemed to be frozen between the face of the bat and his pads; and Verreynne swung as if he were in a Twenty/20 game. Only one player, Bavuma, appeared to have read the terms and conditions before clicking “I Agree”.

There was no lack of ability by the South Africans; there was just confusion. Once the Indian team realized how indecisive the visitors were being, the spinners came after them with a relentless attack mentality, always changing their angle and speed of delivery, but maintaining their aggressive approach.

Bavuma Can’t Save This Alone

Bavuma will need a small miracle from the tail of the South African batting line-up if they want India to be nervous when it comes time for them to bat in the fourth innings. The hope that Marco Jansen survives long enough to hit a six is certainly optimistic; optimism is far from a plan of action for a pitch that is going bad faster than milk spoils, rather than a fine wine.

However, as things stand now? The home team is controlling the pace of the game, the storyline, and the playing conditions. To turn things around for South Africa, Bavuma will need to bat like a miracle worker and be able to hope for at least two tail-enders to somehow magically start enjoying batting in India. This is the type of test match that can win, not just influence a test match as each day passes.

Key Takeaway

India didn’t dominate because the pitch spun; they dominated because their spinners understood it better than South Africa’s batters did.

FAQs

1: Who was the standout performer on Day 2?

Ravindra Jadeja, with figures of 4/29, dominated South Africa’s batting.

2: What was India’s first-innings total?

India scored 189 in their first innings, securing a 30-run lead.

3: Which Indian spinners supported Jadeja effectively?

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel complemented Jadeja to put South Africa under pressure.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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