Match: 1st Test, South Africa tour of India 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: November 14-18, 2025
Start Time: 9:30 AM IST
Toss: Not yet conducted
The Build-Up
India and South Africa are ready to face each other in the first of two Test matches. This is a big game for both teams in the World Test Championship race.
India are third in the WTC standings after drawing 2-2 in England and beating West Indies 2-0 at home. Meanwhile, South Africa are defending champions who have only begun their title defense with a 1-1 draw in Pakistan.
This will be Eden Gardens’ first Test match in six years. The last game here was the pink-ball Test against Bangladesh in 2019. The historic stadium, which holds 66,000 fans, is ready to host another epic battle.
Likely Playing XIs
India (Probable XI – Source: ESPNcricinfo)
According to ESPNcricinfo’s match preview, India’s probable XI is: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
The big news is that Dhruv Jurel is certain to play, with Nitish Kumar Reddy released from the squad for the first Test while Pant returns from injury.
South Africa (Probable XI – Source: ESPNcricinfo)
South Africa’s probable XI includes: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (captain), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
Captain Temba Bavuma is expected to replace Dewald Brevis, while Marco Jansen should get the nod over Wiaan Mulder because there’s unlikely to be much assistance for traditional seam bowling.
Note: Final XIs will only be confirmed at the toss.
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens pitch is made of black soil with light grass patches and should offer something for both pacers and spinners.
After a surface relaying in 2017 that helped fast bowlers, the pitch has become spin-friendly again, especially from the third day onward. Morning sessions will likely help pace bowlers with extra bounce and movement, while spinners can expect more help as the match goes on.
The black-soil pitch has no live grass four days before the Test, with reverse swing expected to play a role. Teams winning the toss are expected to bat first, with a first innings target of 370-380 runs considered competitive.
Weather Forecast
Great news for cricket fans! Friday, November 14 will see temperatures between 18°C and 28°C with hazy skies and no rain expected. The maximum temperature is predicted to be 28°C, while the minimum will be around 18°C, with no chance of rain during the match.
Perfect cricket weather is on the cards for all five days.
Players to Watch
| Role | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Batter | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Aiden Markram |
| Top-Order | Shubman Gill (C) | Ryan Rickelton |
| Middle-Order | Rishabh Pant (WK) | Temba Bavuma (C) |
| All-Rounder | Ravindra Jadeja | Senuran Muthusamy |
| Fast Bowler | Jasprit Bumrah | Kagiso Rabada |
| Spinner | Kuldeep Yadav | Keshav Maharaj |
Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have played 44 Test matches against each other. South Africa have won 18 games, India have won 16, and 10 matches ended in draws. At Eden Gardens specifically, India lead 2-1 against South Africa.
South Africa were blanked by huge margins on good batting surfaces during their last tour of India in 2019-20. They haven’t won a Test in India since 2010, making this a tough challenge for the visitors.
What to Expect
This match promises to be a fascinating contest between India’s spin attack and South Africa’s quality batting lineup. South Africa will hope that India, who suffered a shock 0-3 loss against New Zealand last year and are still a team in transition, haven’t nailed the method to win home Tests yet.
India will look to use their strong home advantage, while South Africa will try to break their long losing streak on Indian soil. The pitch conditions suggest a test of patience and skill, with both fast bowlers and spinners getting chances to shine.
With clear weather, a balanced pitch, and two quality teams, the stage is set for an exciting five-day battle at one of cricket’s most historic venues.