India vs South Africa 1st Test Date, time, venue: Shubman Gill’s India will take on Temba Bavuma’s South Africa in the first of the two-match Test series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting Friday. The series is crucial for both sides as they look to strengthen their positions in the ongoing World Test Championship. South Africa enters the contest after drawing their series against Pakistan, while India had thumped the West Indies in their previous red-ball assignment.
India vs South Africa 1st Test Preview
All eyes will be on skipper Shubman Gill, who continues to shine in red-ball cricket despite his recent white-ball struggles. With wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel joining the lineup, India’s batting depth has improved, providing greater stability in the middle order. The team will rely on experienced campaigners Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant to provide both solidity and flair.
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s key weapon. His ability to generate pace and movement will test even the most composed South African batters. Partnering him, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav bring variety and control to India’s bowling attack.
Bavuma’s South Africa Seek Redemption in Subcontinent
Temba Bavuma’s South Africa will look to counter India’s home advantage with an experienced mix of players. With stars like Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen, the Proteas boast both pace and spin strength. Youngsters such as Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs will aim to prove themselves in testing Indian conditions.
The visitors will depend heavily on Rabada and Jansen to make early inroads with the new ball, while Maharaj and Harmer are expected to shoulder the spin duties. Batting consistency, however, will be the key if South Africa hopes to challenge India at home.
India vs South Africa Complete Test Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 14 – 18 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | November 22 – 26 | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 9:30 AM |
India vs South Africa 1st Test Full Squads
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Devdutt Padikkal, Akash Deep.
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Zubayr Hamza, Wiaan Mulder.
India vs South Africa 1st Test Predicted Playing XIs
India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (w), Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.