"He dismissed a batter used to playing on bouncy wickets" - Former India all-rounder hails Jasprit Bumrah's new ball spell in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Jasprit Bumrah's new-ball spell on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa, especially the manner with which he managed to outfox Aiden Markram. The extra bounce undid the Proteas' opening batter for 31 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, November 14.

After opting to bat, South Africa had a decent start through Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. The pair took on Mohammed Siraj, while remaining cautious against Jasprit Bumrah. The ace speedster delivered the first breakthrough after castling Ryan Rickelton in the 11th over.

In the very next over, he got a ball to kick off from a length, surprising Aiden Markram who could not do anything. The ball flew towards the wicket-keeper after getting a nick, and Rishabh Pant completed the dismissal with a diving catch.

Irfan Pathan noted how Markram could not deal with the extra bounce despite being quite familiar with playing such deliveries.

"The way Bumrah beat Markram with extra bounce, that too on an Indian pitch, was remarkable. He dismissed such a batter that is used to playing on bouncy wickets in South Africa, and is used to bounce. The batters were only looking to survive against Bumrah today," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Jasprit Bumrah finished with impeccable figures of 5-27 off his 14 overs to register his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests. Apart from the openers, the pacer dismissed Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, and Keshav Maharaj to help India bowl out the opposition for just 159.

A major talking point of the day proved to be Team India's unorthodox combination which included four spinners, and an unlikely candidate in Washington Sundar at No.3.

Irfan Pathan remarked that the team management must have put a lot of thought into finalising such a radical move, and that only time will tell whether it was the right call or not.

"Just as it was looking like Sudharsan was settling in at No.3 after that 87-run knock, Washington Sundar has been given the chance there. It is not as if the team management are doing random things, all of this is being done after a lot of thought, and they are moving forward with it. Soon, we will we know whether this is the right approach or not," he said.

Washington Sundar had to step out to bat in his new position during the final session of Day 1 after Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal. The left-handed batter battled failing light and a charge by the South African pacers to remain unbeaten on six runs off 38 deliveries at Stumps.

"Whether it is right or wrong, only time will tell" - Irfan Pathan on Team India's four-spinner approach for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Team India stepped out with six bowling options in the first Test, out of which four were spinners. The hosts included all spin bowling options in the side, with the existing trio of Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, along with a return for Axar Patel after almost two years.

"India, playing 4 spinners for the first time since 2012, showed what they are thinking. The rationale behind it, as far as I am concerned, is that if they want to make it to the WTC Final, then you have to be used to playing on different pitches, and there if one of your batters can be a bowling option, then you have more options to pursue. Now whether it is right or wrong, only time will tell," Irfan Pathan said.

Team India ended Day 1 on 37-1 after playing out 20 overs in the final session. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar are the unbeaten pair out in the middle ahead of a crucial Day 2.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Gokul Nair