"He knows where Aiden Markram's weak point is" - Cheteshwar Pujara lauds Jasprit Bumrah's spell in IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded Jasprit Bumrah for delivering an economical spell on Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa. He noted that the unconventional seamer also gave India a crucial breakthrough by exploiting Aiden Markram's weakness.

Bumrah registered figures of 1/38 in 17 overs in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22. South Africa ended the day at 247/6 in their first innings after Temba Bavuma had won the toss and opted to bat first.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Pujara praised Bumrah for castling Markram after deceiving him with an incoming delivery.

"Jasprit bowled incredibly well even in his first spell. He didn't get a wicket, a catch was dropped, but when he was brought to bowl before the Tea break, the breakthrough he gave was extremely necessary for India. The new ball swings, but he maintained his line and length even with the old ball," the former India batter said.

"He knows where Aiden Markram's weak point is. When the catch went earlier to second slip, he (Markram) would have been expecting the ball to go away, but he (Bumrah) brought this ball in. So he reads the batters very well. The way Jasprit Bumrah goes wide of the crease and uses the angles, he knows he can breach Aiden Markram's defense," he added.

Aiden Markram was dropped on four by KL Rahul at second slip off Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. The South African opener was eventually dismissed for an 81-ball 38, inside-edging a Bumrah delivery onto his stumps.

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"When you concede only 38 runs in 17 overs on such a wicket, it makes a huge difference" - Cheteshwar Pujara lauds Jasprit Bumrah's massive impact

Jasprit Bumrah conceded only seven runs in his first seven overs. [P/C: Getty]

Speaking on Star Sports, Cheteshwar Pujara noted that Jasprit Bumrah's stingy spell helped the other Indian bowlers pick up wickets.

"He had a massive impact, not only because of the wicket, but the number of runs he conceded. When you concede only 38 runs in 17 overs on such a wicket, it makes a huge difference. We talk about bowling in partnerships. He took only one wicket, but the other bowlers got wickets because the South African batters were under pressure," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the ace Indian seamer plays his role even if he is not amongst the wickets.

"When they bowl with him, their chances of taking wickets increase. He keeps the batters under pressure every time. You get one or two boundaries off his bowling if you bat extremely well. He is a team player who knows the role he needs to play even if he doesn't get wickets," Pujara observed.

Kuldeep Yadav (3/48 in 17 overs) was the most successful bowler on Day 1 of the Guwahati Test. Ravindra Jadeja (1/30 in 12 overs) and Mohammed Siraj (1/59 in 17.5 overs) accounted for a dismissal apiece.