The air is electric at Eden Gardens—and it’s not just because of the fierce rivalry between India and South Africa. As the two teams gear up for the opening Test of their 2025 series, three Indian stars are standing on the cusp of career-defining milestones. Shubman Gill is just runs away from a major landmark, KL Rahul is poised to etch his name deeper into Test folklore, and Ravindra Jadeja is chasing a feat achieved by only one Indian before him: the legendary Kapil Dev.
These aren’t just vanity stats. In a high-stakes World Test Championship (WTC) clash, every run and wicket carries extra weight. For fans, it’s a thrilling subplot; for the players, it’s added motivation to deliver when it matters most.
Table of Contents
- Shubman Gill’s March Toward 3,000 Test Runs
- KL Rahul’s Quest for 4,000 Test Runs
- Jadeja’s Shot at Kapil Dev’s Rare All-Rounder Double
- Why Eden Gardens Is the Perfect Stage
- How Milestones Impact India’s WTC Hopes
- Conclusion
- Sources
Shubman Gill’s March Toward 3,000 Test Runs
At just 26 years old, Shubman Gill is already one of India’s most elegant and consistent top-order batters. Heading into the first Test against South Africa, he sits tantalizingly close to 3,000 career runs in Test cricket . With 2,950+ runs to his name, a solid half-century in either innings would see him cross this elite threshold.
What makes this milestone even more impressive is his average—hovering around 48—and his ability to anchor innings on challenging pitches. Reaching 3,000 runs before the age of 27 would place him in an elite group of Indian batters, alongside the likes of Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli. It’s a testament to his maturity, technique, and hunger for big scores.
KL Rahul’s Quest for 4,000 Test Runs
Meanwhile, KL Rahul is on the verge of an even bigger landmark: 4,000 Test runs. The versatile batter, who has opened, batted at No. 3, and even kept wickets, needs just 50-odd runs to hit the mark .
Rahul’s journey has been one of resilience. After being dropped multiple times and battling form slumps, his comeback in home series—and now his consistent middle-order presence—shows his determination. Crossing 4,000 runs would cement his legacy as one of India’s most adaptable and dependable batters of the modern era.
Jadeja’s Shot at Kapil Dev’s Rare All-Rounder Double
But perhaps the most historic chase belongs to Ravindra Jadeja. The veteran all-rounder is just a few wickets away from joining an exclusive club: Indian players with **5,000+ runs and 250+ wickets in Test cricket**—a feat achieved only by Kapil Dev .
Jadeja already has over 3,000 runs and 248+ wickets . If he picks up 2 wickets in this Test—a realistic target on a pitch expected to assist spin later in the match—he will become only the second Indian to pull off this all-rounder’s double. Globally, fewer than 10 players have ever done it, including legends like Jacques Kallis and Ian Botham.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about legacy. Jadeja, often underrated in global all-rounder conversations, would finally gain the recognition his decade-long consistency deserves.
Why Eden Gardens Is the Perfect Stage
Eden Gardens, one of cricket’s most iconic venues, is known for producing drama, passion, and history. The pitch, prepared by curator Sujan Mukherjee, is expected to be batting-friendly for the first three days before offering significant turn to spinners .
This setup plays perfectly into India’s hands:
- Gill and Rahul can capitalize on true bounce early on.
- Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will dominate the final two days.
- The crowd’s energy could lift the home side during crucial moments.
For more on the pitch and venue, check out the ESPNcricinfo preview of the India vs South Africa series.
How Milestones Impact India’s WTC Hopes
This Test isn’t just about personal glory—it’s pivotal for India’s World Test Championship 2025 campaign. After a shaky start in previous cycles, India needs a strong 2-0 or 3-0 series win to climb the WTC table.
When players are chasing milestones, they often play with extra focus and calmness—qualities that translate into team success. A big stand between Gill and Rahul could set up a massive total, while Jadeja’s all-round contribution could seal the game. As fans, we get the best of both worlds: team triumph and individual brilliance.
Stay updated with our [INTERNAL_LINK:India vs South Africa 2025 Series Guide] for live scores, analysis, and fantasy tips.
Conclusion
The first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens promises to be more than just a WTC clash—it’s a canvas for history. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja aren’t just playing for points; they’re chasing legacies. Whether it’s 3,000 runs, 4,000 runs, or a Kapil Dev-level all-rounder double, these milestones will add a layer of drama that only Test cricket can deliver. Buckle up—this one’s going to be special.
Sources
- Times of India. “Gill, Rahul on verge of major milestones; Jadeja eyes Kapil Dev’s rare Test double.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- ESPNcricinfo and ICC player stats databases for career run/wicket tallies [[2], [3], [4]].
- Eden Gardens pitch and venue reports from multiple Indian and international media outlets .
- World Test Championship standings and format details from ICC official website.