IND vs SA Match Analysis
The first Test between India and South Africa begins on November 14, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting from 9:30 AM local time. With the weather cooling down in mid-November and the pitch traditionally offering early swing before favoring spinners, this promises to be a battle of patience and adaptability.
India came into this Test high on confidence after their emphatic victory against the West Indies in Delhi. The team looks balanced, with an experienced core led by Shubman Gill and a rejuvenated middle order anchored by Rishabh Pant.
South Africa arrived in India after an impressive series win over Pakistan, where their mix of youth and experience shone through. The Proteas’ top order, bolstered by the in-form Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram, will aim to tackle India’s world-class spin.
India vs South Africa Team Preview & Squads
India
Shubman Gill’s elevation to captaincy represents a fresh, modern chapter for Indian Test cricket. Calm under pressure and tactically shrewd, Gill has quickly adapted to leadership responsibilities.
IND batting line-up runs deep with established names like KL Rahul, Pant, and Jadeja providing solidity. The inclusion of young openers Jaiswal and Sudharsan adds flair and aggression at the top. With Axar and Jadeja capable of crucial runs down the order, India’s tail isn’t short on batting resilience.
IND boasts a world-class bowling unit combining pace and spin in an ideal balance. Bumrah and Siraj provide the cutting edge with the new ball, while Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja bring variety and control. Washington Sundar or Axar Patel offer valuable all-round balance, perfect for long-format home domination.
In their previous encounter, India showcased a commanding performance against the West Indies in the 2nd Test at Delhi (Oct 10, 2025). After posting a mammoth 518/5 declared, they wrapped up the West Indies for 248 in the first innings. Although the visitors fought back with 390 in their second innings, India comfortably chased down 121 with seven wickets to spare. The win underlined India’s consistency in home Tests.
India Squad
India Squad
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Devdutt Padikkal, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundarcholtz.
South Africa
Temba Bavuma continues to lead SA with calm composure and tactical intelligence. His ability to read game situations and support his bowlers has earned him respect among peers. Bavuma’s steady batting also adds stability in pressure moments, especially on Asian tracks.
SA batting looks promising with the blend of young power-hitters and experienced campaigners. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs add flair, while Aiden Markram and Bavuma bring the necessary Test temperament. With Rickelton and Verreynne rotating in wicketkeeping roles, South Africa has multiple middle-order options.
The bowling unit is South Africa’s biggest strength heading into this series. Kagiso Rabada’s express pace, partnered with Marco Jansen’s awkward angles, can trouble even the best on flat decks. Spin options in Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer give them variety for Indian conditions, while Wiaan Mulder adds balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
In their last outing, South Africa clinched a dominant win against Pakistan in the 2nd Test at Rawalpindi (Oct 20, 2025). They first restricted Pakistan to 333 & 138, before posting 404 in the first innings. Chasing just 68, South Africa reached 73/2, sealing an 8-wicket victory.
South Africa Squad
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Zubayr Hamza.
Match Details | ||
Match | India vs South Africa | 1st Test | South Africa tour of India 2025 | |
Date | 14/11/2025 (Friday) | |
Time | 10:00 AM (BDT) / 09:00 AM (PKT) / 09:30 AM (INR) | |
Format | Test | |
Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | |
Recent performance | India – L D W W W | South Africa – W W W L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) | |
IND vs SA Outfield Report
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The Eden Gardens surface has evolved from its traditional turner reputation into a balanced deck favoring both bat and ball. The first two days are expected to assist seamers with movement under morning conditions, while spinners will gradually come into play from Day 3 onward. Batters who settle in can score big, but patience is key.
Kolkata’s November climate should provide moderate sunshine with scattered clouds. Temperatures will hover around 28°C during the day, dropping to 20°C at night, making conditions comfortable for players. There’s a slight chance of humidity affecting the ball’s grip in the latter sessions.
Historically, the Eden Gardens pitch has produced scores exceeding 450 in the first innings, though collapses aren’t rare when spinners take control later. Teams batting first have a higher win rate, with 250–280 considered a competitive total if batting last.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In the last five Test encounters between India and South Africa, India leads the contest 3–2. While India dominated at home with clinical wins, South Africa’s victories came in seam-friendly conditions back in Centurion and Cape Town.
IND vs SA Prediction
Event | India | South Africa |
Toss Winner | India | – |
Player of the Match | Yashasvi Jaiswal | – |
Top Run Scorer | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Tristan Stubbs |
Top Wicket Taker | Jasprit Bumrah | Keshav Maharaj |
Most Sixes | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Tristan Stubbs |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 400+ | 300+ |
Win Probability | 55% | 45% |
According to cricket analysts South Africa have a 55% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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