The stage is set for a classic showdown at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens as India and South Africa lock horns in the first Test of a highly anticipated two-match series. Scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST on November 14, 2025, this contest brings together two teams at pivotal moments in their cricketing journeys. With both sides eager to make a statement, fans can expect a riveting battle of skill, strategy, and resilience.
India, fresh off a comprehensive clean sweep against the West Indies, enters the series with a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience. Shubman Gill, captaining the side for the first time in a major home series, leads a squad that’s both hungry for success and keen to cement its place in the next generation of Indian cricket. The return of Rishabh Pant after a spell on the sidelines due to a fractured foot has injected fresh dynamism into the batting order. Pant, known for his aggressive stroke play and electric presence behind the stumps, will reclaim the wicketkeeping gloves, while Dhruv Jurel retains his spot in the XI—a decision confirmed by India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. "I don't think you can leave him out for this Test, is the short answer," ten Doeschate told the media, signaling faith in the young keeper-batsman’s abilities.
India’s batting lineup boasts familiar faces and emerging stars. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are set to open, followed by Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, and Pant. Ravindra Jadeja, a cornerstone of India’s all-round prowess, will anchor the middle order alongside Axar Patel and Jurel. The bowling attack remains formidable, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj spearheading the pace department, while Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja will look to exploit the turning conditions Eden Gardens is famous for. The pitch, as always, is expected to offer early seam for pacers before gradually assisting spinners—a balance that has historically favored India’s multi-faceted attack.
On the other side, South Africa arrives in Kolkata as the reigning World Test Champions, carrying the weight of history and a burning desire to end a two-decade-long wait for a series win in India. Temba Bavuma, at the helm, leads a team that has shown significant improvement in red-ball cricket over recent years. Their last outing in Asia—a 1-1 draw in Pakistan—provided valuable subcontinental experience, particularly for spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in this series. Kagiso Rabada, the ever-reliable pace spearhead, heads a bowling unit that has grown in experience and confidence since their last Indian tour.
South Africa’s batting, however, remains a point of concern. The Proteas will rely heavily on the likes of Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton to tackle India’s new-ball threat. Bavuma and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne are tasked with steadying the middle order, while all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen provide depth. The probable playing XI also features Tristan Stubbs and Corbin Bosch, adding further options to the lineup. The Proteas’ strategy is clear: post a big first-innings total and let their spin duo of Maharaj and Harmer, aided by the pace of Rabada and the all-round skills of Jansen, exploit the wearing surface as the match progresses.
The rivalry between these two cricketing giants has been fiercely contested over the years. Out of 44 Test matches played so far, South Africa holds a slight edge with 18 wins to India’s 16, while 10 encounters have ended in draws. Yet, recent history in India has been less kind to the visitors. In their last seven Tests on Indian soil, South Africa has suffered six heavy defeats, with rain salvaging a draw in the remaining contest. The 2015-16 series saw a young Indian side dominate on spinning tracks, and even when conditions improved for batting in 2019-20, India’s pacers stepped up to deliver convincing victories.
This time, South Africa’s bowling attack is not only familiar but also far more experienced. Maharaj continues as the main spinner, with Harmer bringing the knowledge of past Indian tours and Senuran Muthusamy adding depth. Rabada’s presence ensures that the Proteas can strike early with the new ball, especially if the morning dampness at Eden Gardens offers movement. For India, the challenge will be to blunt Rabada’s impact up front and then capitalize as the pitch begins to grip, bringing Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja into play.
The toss, held at 9:00 AM IST, saw South Africa opt to bat first—a move that signals their intent to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure. It’s a bold decision, given India’s potent attack and the pressure of playing in front of a passionate Kolkata crowd. Yet, for Bavuma’s men, it’s a chance to set the tone and prove they can adapt to challenging subcontinental conditions.
Broadcasting arrangements for the series are extensive, reflecting the high stakes and global interest. The match is telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed via JioHotstar, ensuring fans across the world can follow every twist and turn. For those seeking a deeper dive, the contest will be analyzed and dissected across platforms, with every session likely to spark debate among pundits and supporters alike.
India’s squad selection has already generated buzz. The decision to release all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to accommodate Pant’s return underscores the team’s commitment to fielding its strongest possible XI. Meanwhile, the continued faith in Jurel highlights the management’s focus on nurturing young talent, even as veterans like Jadeja and Bumrah provide stability.
For South Africa, the memories of past struggles in India will serve as motivation. Their improved bowling lineup, bolstered by the experience of multiple Asian tours, gives them a genuine shot at challenging India on home turf. The key, however, will be their batting—if Markram, de Zorzi, and Rickelton can negotiate the early overs and lay a solid foundation, the Proteas’ bowlers will have a platform to attack.
As the first ball is about to be bowled at Eden Gardens, the cricketing world watches with bated breath. Can India extend their home dominance under a new captain, or will South Africa finally break their Indian jinx? With both teams boasting match-winners and a rich history of dramatic encounters, this series opener promises high drama and unforgettable moments.
With the action underway and the series delicately poised, all eyes remain on Kolkata as two proud cricketing nations battle for supremacy. Whether it’s a breakout performance, a tactical masterstroke, or a moment of brilliance in the field, fans can be sure that the India-South Africa rivalry will add another memorable chapter at Eden Gardens.
