Washington Sundar breaks down in dressing room after India’s shocking Kolkata Test defeat

Washington Sundar, promoted to the Indian middle order, delivered a gritty knock even as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled in a shocking collapse. Despite his determined effort, India suffered a humiliating defeat in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, leaving the young all-rounder in tears inside the dressing room.

Chasing just 124 runs on a turning Eden Gardens surface, India had plenty of time left in the match — nearly 250 overs — but failed miserably as the batting order fell apart like a house of cards. For a team that has reached the World Test Championship final twice, losing such a modest chase at home was unimaginable.

With the top order collapsing again, Sundar—promoted to bat at No. 3—held firm and tried to steady the innings. He became India’s sixth wicket to fall, keeping the team’s hopes alive until his dismissal. Axar Patel’s brief counterattack offered some confidence, but once he was removed and Mohammed Siraj departed the very next ball, the result was all but sealed. Overwhelmed by disappointment, Sundar broke down in tears, reflecting the depth of the team’s anguish.

Also Read: Ind vs SA: Bumrah clears air with Bavuma to defuse height-remark controversy

Earlier, South African captain Temba Bavuma chose to bat first, and his side could only manage 159, with Jasprit Bumrah dominating. India then took a slender 30-run lead, with KL Rahul top-scoring. Sundar, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja all made promising starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 in the second innings - the first fifty of the match - proved decisive. Missing their regular captain Shubman Gill, India collapsed for under 100 in the final innings, eventually losing by 30 runs in a morale-shattering defeat.