South Africa return to the subcontinent chasing history, a first Test series win in India in 25 years,as they begin the two-match contest at Eden Gardens on Friday.
For the reigning World Test Champions, this is more than just another overseas tour; it’s about conquering one of cricket’s toughest frontiers. Since their last series triumph in 2000, the Proteas have lost six of their last seven Tests in India, often undone by both spin and seam on vastly different surfaces.
‘Winning in India would be right up there’ – Bavuma
Captain Temba Bavuma knows the scale of the challenge but believes his side is ready.
Winning the World Test Championship was special, but next to that, winning in India would be right up there in terms of ambition.
South Africa have brought a familiar, battle-hardened squad. Spinner Keshav Maharaj returns as the attack’s senior figure, alongside Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, and strike bowler Kagiso Rabada. Their success may hinge on reverse swing, with Eden Gardens expected to offer little grass and modest turn.
India in Transition but Still Formidable at Home
India, now under Shubman Gill’s leadership, remain formidable in home conditions despite a brief wobble last year when they were whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand.
Currently third on the World Test Championship table, India enter the series after a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 win over West Indies. Rishabh Pant returns fully fit, while Dhruv Jurel keeps his place as a specialist batter.
Gill, who has captained across formats in recent months, will need to quickly adapt back to the demands of Test cricket.
It’s been a busy few months, but I’m enjoying the challenge. The focus is on building consistency and maintaining intensity.
Jaiswal Focused On ‘Process Over Numbers’
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will reunite with Gill at the top, said the team’s preparation was built around staying composed and disciplined.
I share great camaraderie with Shubman. Playing with him is always enjoyable, he’s one of the great players of our generation. I just focus on my process and how I can contribute to the team. Stats and averages don’t matter when your goal is to win for India.
Numbers and milestones
• Jadeja is just ten runs away from completing the rare double of 300 wickets and 4000 runs in Tests.
• Kyle Verreynne needs five dismissals to become only the fifth South African wicketkeeper to reach 100 in Tests.
• Gill has won only one toss in seven Tests as captain; South Africa haven’t won a toss in their last seven Tests in India, one of these streaks will finally end on Friday.
Probable XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul, B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (capt), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
