The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata was abuzz with anticipation as India and South Africa kicked off their much-awaited two-Test series on November 14, 2025. The opening day of the first Test saw plenty of drama, tactical moves, and flashes of brilliance, setting the stage for a fascinating contest for the Freedom Trophy. With South Africa holding the World Test Championship crown and India eager to reassert their home dominance, cricket fans were treated to a day packed with action and intrigue.
South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma, fresh off leading his nation to a historic World Test Championship final victory over Australia earlier in June, called right at the toss and elected to bat first. His decision was bold, considering the unpredictable nature of the Eden Gardens pitch and India’s formidable spin arsenal. "Whenever we go into a series, there’s a lot more of an expectation for us as a team to uphold the world champion status," Bavuma had declared before the opener, underscoring the weight of expectation on his young squad.
Both teams shuffled their line-ups for the big occasion. India welcomed back a fit-again Rishabh Pant, who returned from an injury sustained in England in July, taking the gloves from all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Axar Patel, another spinning all-rounder, slotted into the XI in place of Sai Sudharsan. The hosts fielded a quartet of spinners—Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar—alongside pace aces Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. South Africa, meanwhile, were forced into a late change, with premier pacer Kagiso Rabada sidelined by a rib injury. Corbin Bosch stepped in, joining an attack featuring spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
The playing XIs reflected the teams’ contrasting approaches and resources. India lined up with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. South Africa countered with Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj. Several Proteas, including de Zorzi and Rickelton, were making their Test debuts on Indian soil, adding another layer of challenge to the visitors’ campaign.
Bavuma’s men began their innings under overcast skies, aware that the first hour could define their fortunes. The Proteas’ top order showed early intent, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton finding boundaries despite probing spells from Bumrah and Siraj. Markram, in particular, looked in good touch, dispatching Axar Patel for a six and a four in the ninth over. Rickelton, too, played some crisp drives, but the introduction of spin soon put the brakes on South Africa’s progress.
Jasprit Bumrah, combining pace and precision, struck the first blow by removing Rickelton with a classic delivery that breached the left-hander’s defense. Markram followed soon after, edging one behind to Pant off Bumrah’s bowling. The double strike left South Africa wobbling, and things went from bad to worse as the Indian spinners tightened the screws. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled in tandem, exploiting the pitch’s subtle turn and bounce. Kuldeep’s variations proved too much for Wiaan Mulder, who fell LBW attempting a reverse sweep. The Proteas’ middle order struggled to assert itself, and captain Bavuma, after a patient start, was caught at short leg for 15 off Kuldeep’s bowling.
Despite the setbacks, South Africa managed to reach 105/3 at lunch, thanks in part to Tony de Zorzi’s counterattacking strokes. De Zorzi, one of the least experienced members of the touring party, looked unfazed by the situation, even launching Kuldeep for a six over long-off. However, as wickets continued to tumble in the afternoon session, the visitors found themselves in deep trouble. Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs tried to steady the ship, but Siraj and Jadeja kept the pressure on, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
South Africa’s lower order offered some resistance, with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj adding a few valuable runs. But the relentless Indian attack ensured there would be no tail-end heroics. Bumrah wrapped up the innings by trapping Maharaj LBW, bringing South Africa’s total to 159 all out in just 55 overs. The Proteas’ inability to build partnerships hurt them dearly, with only de Zorzi (who top-scored) and Markram showing flashes of composure against the turning ball. Bumrah finished as the pick of the bowlers, supported ably by Kuldeep and Axar, who shared the spoils among the spinners.
With 20 overs left in the day, India’s openers strode out to the middle, hoping to lay a solid foundation. Yashasvi Jaiswal started briskly, finding the boundary twice before Marco Jansen cleaned him up with a sharp delivery. KL Rahul and Washington Sundar then dug in, weathering a probing spell from the South African bowlers. Maharaj and Harmer, both seasoned campaigners in subcontinental conditions, extracted turn and bounce, but the Indian pair remained resolute. Rahul, in particular, looked assured, driving confidently and picking up a boundary off Maharaj late in the session.
At stumps, India were 37 for 1 after 20 overs, with Rahul unbeaten and Sundar providing steady support. The hosts trail South Africa’s first-innings total by 122 runs, with nine wickets in hand and plenty of batting to come. The match remains finely poised, with both teams eyeing the crucial first-innings advantage.
Beyond the numbers, Day 1 was a showcase of the evolving narratives surrounding both sides. For South Africa, the challenge of winning a Test in India after 15 long years looms large. Bavuma’s leadership, already cemented by his WTC final heroics, faces a stern examination on unfamiliar turf. The Proteas’ recent resurgence in Asia, including a series win in Bangladesh and a breakthrough victory in Pakistan, has bred quiet confidence, but the Eden Gardens test will demand their very best.
For India, the return of Rishabh Pant and the strategic emphasis on spin reflect both depth and adaptability. Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut in the format adds another subplot, with the young leader eager to make his mark against the reigning world champions. The hosts’ decision to field four spinners could prove decisive as the pitch wears, especially with South Africa’s inexperienced batting line-up under the microscope.
As the sun set over Kolkata, the first chapter of this high-stakes series was written in bold strokes. With three days of play remaining, the contest is wide open. Will India’s spinners continue their dominance, or can South Africa’s bowlers spark a fightback of their own? Cricket fans might want to keep their popcorn handy—this one’s far from over.
