IND vs SA 1st Test Playing 11: Shubman Gill-led India will square off against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa in the 1st test of the series, played between November 14-18, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Shubman Gill‘s side is set for another thrilling contest against WTC 2023-25 champions South Africa at home, and is aiming to use the advantage of the home ground.
With the return of Rishabh Pant, India’s batting line has received a significant boost for the series. Meanwhile, Niitsh Kumar Reddy has been released from the squad for the 1st test and will feature in the ODIs against SA-A.
India and South Africa have squared off in 44 test cricket matches, with India winning on 16 occasions, while South Africa has secured 18 wins and 10 games have ended in a draw.
With India secured in third position, South Africa sits below India in the WTC 2025-27 points table.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Speaking at the toss, Temba Bavuma said, “We will have a bat. The boys just came back from Pakistan. I was with the A team. From a preparation point of view, we’ve done as best as we can.”
“It’s not every day you get to play against 50,000-60,000 people in the stands. So, I’m looking forward to the challenge. Being back in India, it’s always an eye-opener. Looking forward to everything,” added Bavuma.
A look at #TeamIndia‘s Playing XI 🙌
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“It’s been sitting well at the moment (on being the World Test Champions). Hopefully, nothing really changes. For the performance point of view, work around with a lot more pride. But to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
(On the pitch) It’s on the dry side. Not much grass. It’s a typical Indian wicket. First innings runs is the key. Rabada misses out, Corbin Bosch comes in his place,” Temba concluded.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill said, (On losing yet another toss) “I think the only toss that I’m going to win is hopefully in the WTC finals. Yeah. Looks like a good surface. Hopefully, we’ll get some movement early, hopefully we’re able to extract that.”
“Dressing room is pretty amazing. This Test bunch is very hungry and is always determined to perform every time we come out.These two test matches for us are very crucial and we’re as hungry as ever,” added Shubman Gill.
“Looks like a good surface. It’s going to be a good surface for the first day or a couple of days. And then, hopefully, we’ll get some turn as the game goes on. Rishabh comes back in place of Reddy since we last played. And Axar is also back in the side,” Gill concluded.
IND vs SA 1st Test Playing 11
India Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa Playing 11: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj
