The much-anticipated South Africa Tour of India Test Series 2025 is all set to begin on November 14, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Cricket fans around the world are excited to witness two powerful teams — India and South Africa — face off in what promises to be a thrilling five-day contest full of intensity, skill, and classic Test cricket drama.
Match Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa Tour of India Test Series 2025 |
| Match | India vs South Africa – 1st Test |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Dates | 14th – 18th November 2025 |
| Time | 9:30 AM (IST) |
| Format | Test Match |
The match will play a crucial role in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, where both teams aim to secure vital points early in the season.
India Test Squad 2025
Team India looks strong and balanced with a perfect mix of youth and experience. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India will be looking to dominate the home conditions once again.
| Role | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Captain / Batter | Shubman Gill (c) |
| Wicket Keeper | Rishabh Pant (wk) |
| Batter | K. L. Rahul |
| Batter | Devdutt Padikkal |
| Batter | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Batter | Sai Sudharsan |
| All-Rounder | Axar Patel |
| All-Rounder | Washington Sundar |
| All-Rounder | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Wicket Keeper | Dhruv Jurel |
| Bowler | Akash Deep |
| Bowler | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Bowler | Mohammed Siraj |
Team India Strengths
- Top Order Stability: Gill, Rahul, and Jaiswal can provide a solid foundation.
- Powerful All-rounders: Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar bring balance with both bat and ball.
- Spin Attack: Kuldeep and Jadeja will be lethal on the turning Kolkata pitch.
- Pace Support: Siraj’s early breakthroughs could prove decisive.
South Africa Test Squad 2025
South Africa has announced a competitive squad full of versatility and talent. Captain Temba Bavuma leads a unit that blends young firepower with experienced match-winners.
| Role | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Captain / Batter | Temba Bavuma (c) |
| Batter | Tony De Zorzi |
| Batter | Aiden Markram |
| Batter | Zubayr Hamza |
| All-Rounder | Marco Jansen |
| All-Rounder | Wiaan Mulder |
| All-Rounder | Dewald Brevis |
| Wicket Keeper | Tristan Stubbs |
| Wicket Keeper | Kyle Verreynne |
| Wicket Keeper | Ryan Rickelton |
| Bowler | Corbin Bosch |
| Bowler | Kagiso Rabada |
| Bowler | Keshav Maharaj |
| Bowler | Senuran Muthusamy |
| Bowler | Simon Harmer |
Team South Africa Strengths
- Pace Firepower: Rabada and Bosch lead a threatening fast bowling attack.
- Spin Depth: Maharaj and Harmer are likely to play a key role on Indian soil.
- Rising Stars: Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen bring youthful energy and balance.
- Middle Order Solidity: Bavuma and Markram provide experience under pressure.
Eden Gardens – The Historic Battleground
Eden Gardens is known as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket” and has witnessed countless iconic Test matches.
The pitch in Kolkata traditionally supports batters early but gradually turns into a spin-friendly surface, which makes it a perfect stage for India’s spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav to dominate as the game progresses.
Expect huge crowds, electrifying energy, and a true Test cricket atmosphere throughout the five days.
What to Expect from the Match
- Bat vs Ball Contest: India’s spin vs South Africa’s pace — the ultimate battle of styles.
- Young Leadership: Shubman Gill and Temba Bavuma represent the new generation of calm yet aggressive captains.
- WTC Points on the Line: Every session counts as both sides eye the top of the World Test Championship table.
- Comebacks and Opportunities: Players like Rishabh Pant return after injury, while Dewald Brevis may make his Test debut.
Key Players to Watch
- Shubman Gill (India): Leading from the front as captain and opener.
- Ravindra Jadeja (India): All-round brilliance, both with bat and ball.
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): The strike bowler who can rattle any batting order.
- Marco Jansen (South Africa): Game-changing all-rounder with pace and bounce.
- Rishabh Pant (India): His aggressive batting can turn matches in a single session.
Predicted Match Dynamics
- Day 1–2: Favorable for batting, expect high scores.
- Day 3–5: Spin to dominate, especially during the final two days.
- Weather Outlook: Mild winter conditions in Kolkata, ideal for long sessions of play.
India’s home advantage will be significant, but South Africa’s fast bowlers can exploit any early morning movement.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals Standings – IPL 2025 Complete Analysis
Conclusion
The South Africa Tour of India Test Series 2025 – 1st Test at Eden Gardens is more than just another match — it’s a clash of pride, preparation, and power.
India will rely on its all-round depth and spin arsenal, while South Africa’s pace battery will look to silence the Kolkata crowd.
Cricket lovers can expect five days of classic Test cricket filled with intense sessions, tactical brilliance, and memorable moments.
