Vernon Philander was surprised to see India going in with as many as four spin-bowling options in the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The former South African seamer questioned India's tactics, as they fielded a bowling attack with only two fast bowlers - Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Kuldeep Yadav was named as the specialist spinner in the side, while Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel being the all-rounders.
While the playing XI looked a bit unbalanced, the strategy actually worked out well for India, as they bowled out South Africa for just 159 after Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. Bumrah starred with a five-for, while Siraj and Kuldeep bagged two wickets apiece. Axar also chipped in with a solitary scalp, while Jadeja and Sundar went wicketless.