India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after the team’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test, saying the surface was “exactly what we asked for” and contained “no demons”. The pitch drew criticism for unpredictable bounce and sharp turn as India were bowled out for 93 while chasing 124, raising debate over whether it was suitable for Test cricket. Sourav Ganguly supported the curator, insisting the conditions matched team demands. The loss gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.    

India suffered a shock defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens after failing to chase 124 runs. The pitch turned sharp and uneven, and India’s batting fell apart without injured captain Shubman Gill. South Africa’s Simon Harmer led the attack with key wickets, while captain Temba Bavuma’s brave 55 proved match-changing. Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets earlier, but India’s second innings collapsed under pressure. Washington Sundar fought hard with 31, and Axar Patel tried a late comeback, but it was not enough. South Africa won by 30 runs, taking a 1-0 series lead after 15 years. (PC: HT)

Jadeja achieved the milestone during the opening Test against South Africa national cricket team at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, by crossing 4,000 runs in just his 88th Test. He now joins elite all-rounders Ian Botham, Kapil Dev and Daniel Vettori in that rare club. Only Botham reached the double faster, in 72 Tests. The feat underscores Jadeja’s exceptional value as a batting-and-bowling all-rounder for the India national cricket team. (PC: X)

Shubman Gill was stretchered off during Day 2 of the first Test vs South Africa after a neck spasm, following a sweep shot off Simon Harmer. He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata and kept under ICU observation. A six-member critical care panel — including a neurologist, neurosurgeon and cardiologist — has been formed to closely monitor his recovery. The BCCI has confirmed he will not play the rest of the Test, and his availability for the next match in Guwahati remains uncertain. (PC: NDTV)

India captain Shubman Gill was taken off the field in an ambulance after a neck injury during Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Gill hurt his neck while playing a slog-sweep against Simon Harmer and retired hurt after scoring four runs. Hours later, he was seen on a stretcher with a neck brace and was moved to Woodlands Hospital for tests. The BCCI said he has a neck spasm and is under close watch. Assistant coach Morne Morkel said it may have started earlier due to fatigue. India now wait for updates on their captain’s condition.

Day 2 of the Kolkata Test turned into a dustbowl drama as 16 wickets fell on a dry and turning Eden Gardens pitch. India were bowled out for 189, with Simon Harmer taking 4 for 30 for South Africa. But the match changed fast when Ravindra Jadeja produced a brilliant spell, taking 4 for 29 and breaking South Africa’s middle order. By stumps, South Africa were 93 for 7, leading by only 63 runs. Temba Bavuma fought hard with an unbeaten 29, but India finished the day stronger. The pitch stayed uneven, sharp and unpredictable, giving spinners full control. (PC: India Today)

All 10 IPL teams announced their retained and released players ahead of the 2026 mini auction. Kolkata Knight Riders made the biggest move by releasing Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell. Chennai Super Kings let go of 10 players, including Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana. Mumbai Indians released nine players, while Delhi Capitals, RCB, SRH, PBKS, GT, LSG and RR also made major cuts. Several players, including Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami and Mayank Markande, were traded. KKR now enter the auction with the highest purse of ₹64.3 crore. The auction will take place next month. (PC: PTI)

India’s top male tennis player, Sumit Nagal, successfully secured a Chinese visa to compete in the Australian Open Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff in Chengdu after an earlier unexplained rejection. He had publicly appealed on social media to China’s ambassador in India for urgent intervention. Late Thursday, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and other officials for their swift help. The playoff runs from November 24–29, and offers a pathway into the 2026 Australian Open. (PC: AP)

Rishabh Pant’s dismissal for 27 off 23 balls at lunch left the India national cricket team reeling at 132 for 4 in 43.4 overs on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa national cricket team — following a dominant bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed his 16th five-wicket haul to skittle South Africa for 159. India’s momentum has stalled, with the top order faltering and the pitch offering little respite, raising serious questions about the team’s hold on the match. 

Mohammed Siraj admitted that after a shaky start—having conceded 43 runs in his first nine overs—he asked Shubman Gill, his captain, for “just one more over” and it paid off. In that extra over, Siraj trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw and cleaned up Marco Jansen four balls later—a pivotal double strike that reversed his fortunes and bolstered the home side’s attack. Behind the scenes, veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah supported Siraj with simple advice: bowl at the stumps and the wickets will follow. Bumrah then backed it up with a five-wicket haul. Ultimately, the home team wrapped up the visitors for just 159, setting the stage for a strong opening day for India national cricket team. (PC: NDTV)