Fall into own trap: Spin demons sink India as South Africa seize series lead

Hosts India succumbed to a crushing defeat on a treacherous Eden Gardens pitch, losing the first Test to South Africa after collapsing while chasing a modest target of 124. What looked like a routine run-chase quickly spiralled into a crisis as Simon Harmer led a relentless South African attack that exposed India’s brittle batting, further weakened by the absence of injured skipper Shubman Gill.

In less than three days, just over 400 runs were scored and all 40 wickets fell—a reflection of a surface bordering on unplayable and a visiting side that adapted far better. Temba Bavuma’s gritty half-century, Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery five-for, Harmer’s match-defining spell, and Washington Sundar’s defiance stood out in a Test that will be remembered for its raw intensity and the debate over the pi