India's long-awaited return to the Eden Gardens for a Test match turned out to be a disappointment as the home side went down by 30 runs against South Africa in the first Test. This was India's first at the iconic venue in six years, but the comeback did not bring joy as the batting once again fell short in a low-scoring match. This loss now also signifies India's fourth defeat at home under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir, which begs several questions regarding the form of the team in Test cricket after recent struggles. South Africa Take Lead After Strong Day 3 Fightback South Africa started the third morning in a tricky situation but captain Temba Bavuma's unbeaten 55 proved to be the game-changer. The visitors added an invaluable 60 runs before losing their last three wickets, setting India a target of 124 on a pitch that was offering uneven bounce and sharp turn. The chase began on a sour note for India as Marco Jansen sent both openers packing in pretty quick time. The absence of an injured Shubman Gill meant India's batting lacked solidity. Simon Harmer was back to his damaging self with his control and variations, snaring four wickets in the second innings--his second four-wicket haul this game. India collapsed to 93 all out as Axar Patel showed some fight with counter-attacking shots, but his dangerous approach did not last, and Keshav Maharaj took two in two balls to seal South Africa's first Test win in India since 2009. Also Read | CSK’s Big Shake-Up: What Their IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Really Looks Like Where India Stand in the WTC Points Table The defeat has pushed India down from third to fourth place in the WTC standings. They now boast four wins in eight matches with a PCT of 54.17, barely in front of Pakistan. South Africa, the defending World Test Champions, climbed to third place with a PCT of 66.67, the same as Sri Lanka, who remain unbeaten. Australia continue to dominate at the top with a perfect record so far. Pos Team Played Won Lost Draw Ded Points PCT 1 Australia 3 3 0 0 0 36 100.00 2 South Africa 3 2 1 0 0 24 66.67 3 Sri Lanka 2 1 0 1 0 16 66.67 4 India 8 4 3 1 0 52 54.17 5 Pakistan 2 1 1 0 0 12 50.00 6 England 5 2 2 1 2 26 43.33 7 Bangladesh 2 0 1 1 0 4 16.67 8 West Indies 5 0 5 0 0 0 0.00 The second Test will be played in Guwahati starting next Saturday. If India win and level the series 1-1, their PCT will rise to 59.26, pushing them back to third. A draw will keep India at fourth place. A 0-2 loss would drop India to fifth with a PCT of 48.15. The Guwahati Test now becomes a must-win for India to avoid further slide in the standings.