India is all set to host the reigning World Test Championship holders South Africa in a highly anticipated two-match Test series, kicking off at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, 2025. Led by captain Shubman Gill, who has been in red-hot form and is currently the leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship 2025-27, India will look to secure crucial home points to boost their chances of qualifying for the WTC 2027 final at Lord’s.
Pitch Report and Ground Curator Report
The pitch for the 1st Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens is expected to be a balanced, sporting wicket. It offers good bounce and pace early on, favoring both batsmen and pacers. As the match progresses, the pitch is likely to slow down and assist spinners with turn and variable bounce.
Eden Gardens Curator on Pitch
“The pitch will have carry. I make pitches for the crowd to see good cricket. Spectators will surely enjoy. There will be turn bounce & carry from day 2 or 3.”
Match Details
The India vs South Africa official Test match series in 2025 consists of two Tests:
- 1st Test: Starts on Friday, 14th November 2025 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match timing is 9:30 AM IST, and the toss will be at 9:00 AM IST.
- 2nd Test: Starts on Saturday, 22nd November 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. This match also starts at 9:30 AM IST.
Both matches are scheduled with sessions beginning in the morning and follow the traditional Test format.
Also Read: No Shreyas Iyer in South Africa Series, Reason for Absence
INDIA and South Africa Possible Playing 11
The possible playing 11 for India in the first Test against South Africa starting November 14, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is likely to include:
| INDIA | SOUTH AFRICA |
| Player Name | Player Name |
| Shubman Gill (Captain) | Aiden Markram |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Ryan Rickelton |
| Dhruv Jurel | Tristan Stubbs |
| KL Rahul | Tony de Zorzi |
| Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper) | Temba Bavuma (Captain) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper) |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Senuran Muthusamy |
| Axar Patel | Corbin Bosch |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Simon Harmer |
| Washington Sundar | Keshav Maharaj |
| Mohammad Siraj | Kagiso Rabada |
This Test marks Eden Gardens’ return to Test cricket after six years, and teams can expect initial batting-friendly conditions that get increasingly challenging as the days go by. South Africa’s bowlers, including pace spearheads like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen and spinner Keshav Maharaj, pose a strong challenge. The Indian players, led by captain Shubman Gill, have inspected and adapted to the pitch, preparing for a competitive battle on a wicket that could test endurance and skill over five days.
