India vs South Africa test series set to begin at Eden Gardens , Kolkata (Image Credit:- X)
Test champions South Africa and India begin their two match test series at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, promising a gripping contest. Test cricket returns to Eden Gardens after six long years, reigniting the venue’s iconic legacy.
South Africa have not been able to beat India in the last 7 tests played in India. They have not beaten India in a Test series for the last 25 years. They desperately need to deliver a strong performance now to break their streak of setbacks in India.
Also Read:- India crowned World Champions for the first time
India come into the series after a commanding 2-0 victory over West Indies. The Proteas on other hand, arrive after a hard fought 1-1 series draw against Pakistan.
Team News India
Rishabh Pant returns to the squad after missing the West Indies series due to foot injury. He injured his foot during the fourth test of the England series. Another wicket keeper batter, Dhruv Jurel, who is in excellent form, is also expected to be in the playing XI.
Seam bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the squad for the first test. He has been added to the India A squad for the unofficial ODIs against South Africa A.
Click here to see the Fixtures of South Africa Tour of India 2025
India Probable XI:- Yashasvi Jaiswal , K.L.Rahul , Sai Sudharsan , Shubman Gill(c) , Dhruv Jurel , Rishabh Pant (wk) , Ravindra Jadeja , Washington Sundar , Kuldeep Yadhav , Mohammed Siraj , Jasprit Bumrah.
Team News South Africa
Captain Temba Bavuma returns to the South Africa squad after missing the Pakistan series. Most likely, he will replace Dewald Brevis in the lineup.
South Africa Probable XI:- Aiden Markram , Ryan Rickelton , Tony de Zorzi , Temba Bavuma (c) , Tristan Stubbs , Kyle Verreynne , Senuran Muthusamy , Simon Harmer , Marco Jansen , Keshav Maharaj , Kagiso Rabada
Pitch Report
Pacers are expected to get assistance from the pitch during the first two days. Spinners are likely to come into play as the match progress. The team winning the toss is likely to bat first.
Weather
No rain is expected , clear skies forecast for all 5 days.
Time
Match will begin on 09:30 AM (IST) / 04:00 AM (GMT)