Table of Contents
- The Grand Stage is Set
- India vs South Africa 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs
- Eden Gardens Pitch Report: A Battle for the Ages
- Kolkata Weather Forecast: Clear Skies Ahead
- Key Battles to Watch
- Conclusion
- Sources
The iconic Eden Gardens is set to host its first Test match since 2019, and what a fixture it is! The India vs South Africa 1st Test kicks off on November 14, 2025, marking the beginning of a crucial series for both teams . With a fresh-faced Indian side under new leadership and a resilient South African unit looking to make a statement in Asia, this promises to be a contest of immense quality and intensity .
The Grand Stage is Set
Test cricket’s return to the hallowed grounds of Kolkata is a momentous occasion for fans. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as a new chapter in Indian cricket begins. The series is not just about bragging rights; it’s a vital part of both teams’ World Test Championship campaigns. For India, it’s about finding a winning formula post a transitional phase, while South Africa aims to prove their mettle on turning tracks away from home .
India vs South Africa 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs
India is expected to field a dynamic and youthful lineup, led by captain Shubman Gill. This new-look side has generated significant buzz, with several key selection calls to be made .
India’s Probable XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- B. Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk) (vc)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar / Axar Patel
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Mukesh Kumar
The big talking points are the return of Rishabh Pant as the designated wicketkeeper and vice-captain, and the inclusion of young Dhruv Jurel to add depth to the middle order . The bowling attack will rely on Siraj’s experience and the pace of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, with the spin duo of Jadeja and Washington/Axar expected to be pivotal from Day 3 onwards .
South Africa’s Probable XI:
- Dean Elgar (c)
- Temba Bavuma
- Tony de Zorzi
- David Bedingham
- Keegan Petersen
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Keshav Maharaj
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
South Africa’s lineup is a blend of grit and flair, with captain Dean Elgar leading from the front. Their pace trio of Rabada, Ngidi, and the all-rounder Marco Jansen will look to exploit the early conditions, while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will be their main weapon on a pitch expected to turn .
Eden Gardens Pitch Report: A Battle for the Ages
The pitch at Eden Gardens for the India vs South Africa 1st Test is being hailed as a true champion’s track. It is anticipated to offer a wonderfully balanced contest between bat and ball over the five days . Early reports suggest the surface has a brown hue with light grass patches, indicating it will hold firm and provide assistance to all types of bowlers .
Pacers are likely to enjoy the early morning conditions on all five days, with Kolkata’s slightly cool mornings and underlying moisture offering them some extra zip and seam movement off the pitch . As the match progresses and the surface dries out, the spinners are expected to come into play, with significant turn on offer from Day 3 or 4 . This makes the toss a crucial factor, as the captain winning it will have a tough decision: bat first on a good surface or let the bowlers use the fresh conditions. Eden Gardens has historically been one of the few pace-friendly pitches in India, but it always rewards quality spin bowling later in the game .
Kolkata Weather Forecast: Clear Skies Ahead
One of the biggest concerns for a Test match in Kolkata is always the weather. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The forecast for the match days (November 14-18) is looking very promising. Expect clear to partly cloudy skies with pleasant daytime temperatures hovering around 29°C (84°F) and cooler nights around 21°C (70°F) .
While there is a slight chance of isolated showers (around a 40% chance on some days), there is no prediction of any heavy rain or thunderstorms that could cause a significant interruption to play . This is a stark contrast to some of the city’s wetter months, and the dry, breezy climate of November should provide a perfect backdrop for a full five days of high-quality cricket .
Key Battles to Watch
Several intriguing individual duels will shape the outcome of this Test:
- Rishabh Pant vs. Keshav Maharaj: The Indian wicketkeeper’s aggressive style against a probing left-arm spinner.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. Kagiso Rabada: The young Indian opener’s footwork against the raw pace and bounce of South Africa’s premier fast bowler.
- Marco Jansen vs. Shubman Gill: A clash between a tall, swinging left-arm seamer and India’s new captain, who loves to drive through the off-side.
Conclusion
The stage is perfectly set for a classic Test match at Eden Gardens. With a balanced pitch, favorable weather conditions, and two well-matched teams featuring a mix of experience and youth, the India vs South Africa 1st Test has all the ingredients for a memorable contest. Cricket fans are in for a treat as a new era of Indian Test cricket begins in front of a passionate Kolkata crowd. For more on India’s Test strategy, explore our [INTERNAL_LINK:india-test-cricket-rebuild-guide]. You can also check the official ICC website for the latest on the World Test Championship standings.
Sources
- India vs South Africa 2025 Series – ESPNcricinfo
- The Weather Channel – Kolkata Forecast
- Times of India: India vs South Africa 1st Test Report [[1], [5], [6], [9], [13], [15], [18]]