India removed Sai Sudharsan from the Kolkata Test after a late tactical call as the management preferred four spinners on a slow surface which meant a batter had to sit out and Sudharsan became the unlucky choice.
India believed the dry Kolkata pitch would support turn from Day One so they strengthened their spin unit by sacrificing a top-order batter even though Sudharsan showed promise but the team trusted its home strategy.
South Africa suffered a huge blow as Kagiso Rabada injured his rib during training and felt sudden pain which forced doctors to withdraw him from the first Test adding pressure to the already stretched bowling unit. He tried to continue for a few minutes but the discomfort kept increasing. The medical team felt the injury might worsen if he bowled more. His absence has created a clear gap in South Africa’s new-ball plans.
Rabada was in strong rhythm before he suddenly felt discomfort while bowling a bouncer in practice and medical staff decided not to risk him which shocked the team and changed their entire game preparation. The injury came at a very unexpected moment for the squad. Coaches immediately reworked their bowling strategy. The team morale dipped slightly as Rabada is their most trusted pacer.
Sai Sudharsan debuted in June 2025 and played five Tests scoring 273 runs with two fifties showing calm batting in tough conditions in England and at home but still lost his spot for this Kolkata Test. His innings against England impressed several former players. He is known for his solid temperament under pressure. Many feel he deserved at least one more chance before being benched.
Critics feel dropping a stable number-three batter could hurt India if early wickets fall but management believes spin conditions demand bold choices and if the pitch behaves as expected their decision will be justified. The top order will now carry additional responsibility. India hopes their spin-heavy plan delivers quick breakthroughs. The final outcome will depend heavily on how the pitch behaves across sessions.
The Test has become unpredictable with India entering with heavy spin strength and South Africa missing their top pacer as both teams adjust after last-minute shocks raising tension and excitement at Eden Gardens. Crowd expectations have shot up after these surprises. Both captains now face extra tactical challenges. The opening day will reveal which side adapted better.
