Cricket fever is back in the City of Joy! Team India is all set to lock horns with South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series, starting Friday, November 14, 2025, at the historic Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. The action begins at 9:30 AM IST, and fans can catch the live broadcast on Star Sports or stream it live on JioCinema and Hotstar.
Eden Gardens – The Grand Stage Awaits
Eden Gardens, often called the “Mecca of Indian cricket,” has hosted 42 Test matches so far. Out of these, India has had a strong record, winning the majority on home soil. Against South Africa specifically, the venue has witnessed three Test encounters, with India winning two and the Proteas grabbing one victory.
Team India – Young, Hungry, and Fearless
Forget everything you know about Indian cricket’s past. This is a new Team India — passionate, fearless, and ready to turn the game on its head. They don’t bow down to any opposition, no matter how mighty.
Team India’s Test squad sees a few crucial updates: Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the squad to join India A for the unofficial ODIs against South Africa A. His spot will be filled by Dhruv Jurel, who has been in outstanding form and is expected to start in the playing XI.
Key Update: Dhruv Jurel In, Rishabh Pant Returns!
Rishabh Pant’s return is perhaps the biggest news of this series. After missing the previous West Indies tour due to injury, Pant is finally back and will lead the charge behind the stumps as India’s main wicketkeeper-batter.
Interestingly, Team India is likely to play two wicketkeepers — Pant as the primary keeper, and Dhruv Jurel as a pure batsman. And here’s a fascinating stat: India has never lost a Test in which Dhruv Jurel has played. He’s featured in seven Tests so far — and India has won all seven.
That’s the kind of lucky charm India needs in a high-pressure series like this.
India’s Probable Playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)
K.L. Rahul (Opener)
Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain, WK)
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel
Washington Sundar
Akash Deep / Kuldeep Yadav (pitch dependent)
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
With this combination, India looks perfectly balanced — a mix of experience, youth, and all-round depth.
South Africa’s Probable Playing XI
Aiden Markram
Riyan Siegleton (WK)
Wiaan Mulder
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
Tony de Zorzi
Tristan Stubbs
Marco Jansen (All-rounder)
Simon Harmer / Corbin Bosch
Keshav Maharaj
Prenelan Subrayen
Kagiso Rabada
This South African team might not have too many big names, but it’s built for the conditions. The Proteas arrive fresh off a 1-1 drawn series against Pakistan, which gives them good momentum heading into Indian conditions.
Pitch Report: Black Soil, Bounce, and Reverse Swing
The Eden Gardens pitch this time is made of black soil, known for its extra bounce and reverse swing assistance. Early on, pacers like Bumrah and Siraj could get plenty of help with the new ball. But as the match progresses, the surface is expected to slow down, bringing spinners like Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav into play.
If you’re expecting a batting paradise — think again. This pitch will test technique and patience.
Pitch Stats (Eden Gardens, Tests):
- Average 1st Innings Score: 323
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 314
- Average 3rd Innings Score: 255
- Average 4th Innings Score: 143
- Highest Total: 657 runs
- Lowest Total: 90 runs
Teams batting first have won 12 matches, while those bowling first have won 10 — suggesting a fairly balanced wicket.
Head-to-Head Record: India vs South Africa in Tests
- Total Matches: 44
- India Wins: 16
- South Africa Wins: 18
- Draws: 10
While South Africa leads overall, they have struggled badly on Indian soil in the 21st century. The last time South Africa won a Test series in India was way back in 2000, when they beat India 2-0.
Since then, the story has been completely different —
- 2015 Series: India won 3-0
- 2019 Series: India whitewashed South Africa 3-0
Clearly, India has turned their home conditions into an impenetrable fortress.
Key Battles to Watch
- Shubman Gill vs Kagiso Rabada: India’s young captain against South Africa’s pace spearhead — fireworks guaranteed.
- Rishabh Pant vs Keshav Maharaj: Pant’s aggression vs Maharaj’s guile could decide middle-order stability.
- Bumrah vs Bavuma: Bumrah’s deadly accuracy might test South Africa’s skipper early on.
Match Prediction:
Realistically, India starts as the clear favorite. They have home advantage, a settled unit, and a crowd that roars for every wicket. But South Africa isn’t here to be a pushover — they’ve got the firepower to push the match into deep waters.
If conditions stay true to Eden’s black soil reputation, expect a low-scoring thriller with spinners dominating the second half.
Final Thoughts
The countdown is on. The stage is set.
Eden Gardens will witness not just a Test match, but a clash of spirit and skill — between a fearless Indian side and a hungry South African unit looking to rewrite history.
