On the eve of a much-anticipated Test series, the cricketing world’s attention has turned to Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, where South Africa and India are set to clash in a two-match series beginning Friday, November 14, 2025. This isn’t just another Test series—this is the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, putting their hard-earned crown on the line against an Indian side hungry to reclaim dominance at home. The build-up has been electric, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
South Africa’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just five months ago, Temba Bavuma’s men stunned Australia at Lord’s to capture their first-ever World Test Championship title, a victory that sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. For a nation long dogged by the ‘chokers’ tag, the triumph was transformative. As Bavuma put it, “Yeah, I think it has sunk in. I think whenever we go into series, there’s a lot more of an expectation from us as a team to, I guess, uphold the whole champion status.”
The pressure of being champions is real, and Bavuma knows it. “We’re known as the champions, the current champions at this point. We have a lovely opportunity now coming up against India in their own conditions. Not many bigger challenges than that. So it is an opportunity for us to kind of stamp ourselves with that label,” he told reporters ahead of the series opener. The Proteas have already proven their mettle by drawing a tough away series in Pakistan, but now face a different beast—an Indian team that’s notoriously difficult to beat on their own turf.
Back home in South Africa, the championship win has sparked a cricketing renaissance. Bavuma noted, “Back home, I do feel like there’s been a major shift in mindset towards cricket. There’s been a lot more appreciation. The love that’s been shown towards the team, also to individuals within the team... I think for myself personally, probably a lot more appreciation for my presence within the team. So I guess that’s something that’s been good.” The narrative of ‘chokers to champions’ might not sit well with everyone in the squad—many of whom weren’t even born for previous heartbreaks—but the newfound confidence is palpable.
Yet, the Proteas’ road ahead is anything but easy. Their first task? Winning a Test series in India, something they haven’t managed since 2000. And as if the cricketing gods wanted to add a dash of humor to the proceedings, Bavuma recounted a memorable conversation with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, whose Blackcaps famously swept India 3–0 last year. “I met up with Kane (Williamson) at an awards ceremony here in India a couple of months ago. I tried to ask him for some pointers. He wasn’t too open — he did say ‘make sure that you win the toss’. So I have been practising my coin-tossing skills, but I guess you’ve just got to play good cricket. It is as easy, but as hard as that,” Bavuma revealed to the press.
Winning the toss in India can be crucial, especially with the subcontinent’s pitches often favoring spinners as matches progress. Bavuma’s playful approach to the coin toss is a nod to the immense tactical battles that await. Ironically, his opposite number, Shubman Gill, hasn’t had much luck with the coin either. Since assuming the Test captaincy, Gill has won just one of his seven tosses—a paltry 12.5% success rate. Will the toss gods finally smile on him, or will Bavuma’s new skills pay off?
For India, the series carries significant weight in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. After finishing runners-up twice, the Men in Blue are desperate to get over the line this time. They currently sit third in the WTC standings, following a hard-fought 2-2 series draw in England and a 2-0 sweep of the West Indies at home. “These two tests are going to be very important to qualify for the WTC final,” Gill emphasized in a press conference. “They are the reigning World Test champions and we know that it won’t be easy. There will be difficult moments. But as a team, we have shown that whenever there are difficult moments, we have handled them well.”
The Indian squad is bolstered by the return of Rishabh Pant, who will resume wicketkeeping duties. Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with the gloves against the West Indies, will play as a specialist batter. While the transition from a limited-overs tour of Australia to the grind of Test cricket is never simple, Gill is confident in his side’s ability to adapt. “But as a professional cricketer, you know that these challenges will be thrown at you. The way you tackle them defines your greatness.”
The return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens after a six-year hiatus adds another layer of intrigue. The historic stadium, famed for its passionate crowds and dramatic matches, will be the perfect stage for this heavyweight contest. Both teams are stacked with talent—South Africa’s formidable spin-bowling attack and deep batting line-up will be tested by India’s traditionally spin-friendly pitches and their own star-studded batting order.
South Africa’s approach to this tour is marked by a blend of humility and quiet confidence. Bavuma, who is returning from a calf injury, is eager to lead from the front, both with the bat and as a motivator. “We started the (2025-27) test cycle with the ambition of seeing ourselves in the final again,” he explained. “We have our own goals. We know where we want to be as a team, and we know at what point we want to start measuring ourselves up. Yes, winning the test championship is big in a lot of ways but we’d like to see ourselves after four years where we measure up as a team.”
India, on the other hand, is keen to leverage home advantage and their recent form. The pressure is on Gill to improve his record at the toss and guide his side through what promises to be a fiercely competitive series. The psychological battle between two ambitious captains—one a newly crowned champion, the other eager to claim that mantle—adds an extra edge to the contest.
As the first ball is set to be bowled at Eden Gardens, fans from both nations—and indeed, around the cricketing world—will be watching closely. The series is more than just a test of skill; it’s a test of character, resilience, and the ability to handle the weight of expectation. Will South Africa stamp their authority as undisputed champions, or will India turn the tables and move a step closer to their own WTC glory?
The answers will begin to unfold under the Kolkata sun, with every over promising drama, tension, and, perhaps, a few surprises. One thing’s for certain: cricket lovers are in for a treat as two of the game’s heavyweights battle for supremacy in the heart of India.
