IND vs SA 2025: Jasprit Bumrah Draws Even with Starc After Picking Up His 16th Test Five-Wicket Haul
Jasprit Bumrah takes 5 for 27 in Kolkata as India bowl out South Africa for 159, matching Mitchell Starc’s 16 Test five-wicket hauls.
Jasprit Bumrah lit up Eden Gardens with another masterclass in fast bowling as India bowled out South Africa for just 159 on the opening day of the Test in Kolkata.
His spell broke the visitors in a little over two sessions and reminded fans why he is one of the world’s best pacers.
Bumrah finished with stunning figures of 5 for 27 in 14 overs. He removed Aiden Markram early, then sent back Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi to put South Africa on the back foot. He later dismissed Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj to complete his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
He now sits level with Mitchell Starc for the second-most five-wicket hauls among active pacers. Both have 16, but Bumrah reached the mark in only 51 Tests. Starc needed 100 matches. Kagiso Rabada leads the active list with 17.
This milestone also pushes Bumrah closer to Kapil Dev’s Indian record of 23 five-wicket hauls. His pace, accuracy, and control made it clear that he is well on track to challenge that mark. His performance also came in a high-pressure match, South Africa’s first Test in India in six years.
Most five-wicket Hauls Among Active Pacers in Tests
| Player | Country | Wickets | Five-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 340 | 17 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 231 | 16 |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 402 | 16 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 309 | 14 |
| Josh Hazlewood | Australia | 295 | 13 |
While Bumrah took the headlines, India’s other bowlers backed him well. Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets and kept things tight from his end. Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in the middle overs with sharp turn, and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket. Together, the attack never allowed South Africa to settle.
South Africa struggled throughout. Their batters found it hard to handle the moving ball and quick spells. They were bowled out in 55 overs, ending with a below-par 159. The visitors will need a strong comeback in the second innings to stay in the match.
India had five overs to face before stumps. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out with the aim of surviving the new ball. They did that calmly and finished at 8 for no loss. The pair will look to build a solid first-innings lead on the second day.
