South Africa fight back as India slump to 138/4 at lunch; Gill retires hurt
Kolkata (PTI): South Africa’s spinners clawed their way back into the contest with a stirring fightback in the second hour, as India slipped from a position of control to reach 138 for 4 at lunch on day two of the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, here on Saturday.
Resuming at 37 for 1, India appeared solid through a resolute stand between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar, who survived a demanding first hour against pacer Marco Jansen’s hostility and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj’s probing accuracy.
The pair added 57 for the second wicket, raising their fifty stand off 152 balls, compact in defence and composed against the odd ball that kicked or turned.
The visitors, defending a paltry first innings 159, found a way back through the sustained pressure from Maharaj and off-spinner Simon Harmer, who combined for control, bite and key breakthroughs to drag their side firmly into the contest.
The complexion of the session flipped dramatically after the drinks break, courtesy veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer, who opened the floodgates in a defining 35th over.
First, Harmer removed a well-set Sundar for 29 off 82 balls (2x4, 1x6) with a classical off-spinner’s dismissal -- drifting the ball in and turning it away from the left-hander to draw the outside edge, pouched by Aiden Markram at slip.
Three balls later, Shubman Gill retired hurt for a three-ball four following a slog-sweeping Harmer for a boundary.
The India captain appeared to suffer a whiplash in the follow-through, clutching the nape of his neck before walking off grimacing. The BCCI is yet to issue an update on the severity of his injury.
Maharaj, bowling a marathon 16-over spell, then struck to remove Rahul, who had just tried to up the tempo.
The opener, overnight 13, reached 4000 Test runs in the morning but fell for 39 off 119 balls (4x4, 1x6), guiding one softly to Markram at slip as the ball turned and stayed low. The third umpire confirmed the catch.
Just as India hoped to steady through Rishabh Pant's counterpunch -- the left-hander smashing Maharaj for a straight six, another over long-on and unfurling a reverse sweep on his way to 27 off 24 balls (2x4, 2x6) -- rookie pacer Corbin Bosch delivered a crucial strike moments before lunch.
Pant fell to a well-directed bouncer from Corbin Bosch, giving South Africa a bonus wicket to close the session.
At the break, India were officially 138/4, but effectively five down with Gill's return not clear. Ravindra Jadeja also completed 4000 runs in Test cricket. He is only fifth cricketer in Test history with a double of 4000 runs and 300 plus wickets.
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Governor urges enhanced budgetary support for higher education in state budget
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday urged the state government to provide stronger budgetary backing to the Higher Education department in the forthcoming state budget.
Presiding over the Karnataka State Public Universities Vice Chancellors’ Conference–2026, organised by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with the Higher Education department and the Karnataka Higher Education Council, the Governor stressed that public universities require structured and sustained financial support, a press release issued by Lok Bhavan said.
“Universities, having limited internal revenue sources, require special financial care and structured budgetary support,” the release quoted Gehlot as saying, while appealing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure the March 6 State Budget is more beneficial to higher education.
The Governor expressed satisfaction over the Chief Minister’s participation in the conference and voiced confidence that the upcoming budget would prioritise higher education.
He specifically called for filling long-pending vacancies in institutions such as Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Kannada University, Karnataka Janapada University, and Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics University, along with adequate financial provisions for their development.
Emphasising the need to strengthen government universities, Gehlot said deliberations at the conference reflected Karnataka’s readiness to steer higher education in a new direction.
He also called for increasing admissions in government institutions and examining why students prefer private universities despite higher fees.
The Governor stressed strict adherence to academic calendars to ensure timely admissions, examinations and declaration of results.
Improved coordination between Vice Chancellors and Registrars, upskilling of academic staff, curriculum updates aligned with present-day needs and the introduction of job-oriented courses were identified as priorities.
Highlighting campus development, he stressed the need to improve quality, cleanliness and greenery, and urged active implementation of initiatives such as “One Tree for Mother.”
He also encouraged universities to promote sports participation to enable students to represent institutions at district, state, national and international levels.
On governance and transparency, Gehlot pressed for strict compliance with central and UGC guidelines within stipulated timelines.
The release said he emphasised that institutional credibility depends on resolving internal disputes democratically and maintaining transparency in financial matters.
He added that the Chancellor must foster harmony among stakeholders to avoid unnecessary inquiries and administrative disruptions.
The Governor suggested that universities expand international collaborations for academic and student exchange, enhance national rankings and address faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps.
Leveraging central schemes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds was suggested as a way to bridge financial constraints with State support.
According to him, universities should preference to Indian traditional dress as uniform attire during annual convocation ceremonies to promote cultural heritage.
The conference commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana and Naada Geethe. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the conference.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar were among those present on the occasion.
