India will play South Africa in the first Test of a two-match series starting November 14 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The venue will host a Test match after six long years, and fans are eager to witness the red-ball contest. Weather conditions look perfect, with no rain expected for the entire five days.

After a successful T20I tour of Australia, India are ready to switch formats once again. Skipper Shubman Gill and his team aim to continue their strong home record against the reigning World Test champions.

Pant Returns, Reddy Misses Out

India have received a major boost with Rishabh Pant returning from a foot injury that kept him out for three Tests. The wicketkeeper-batter will replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI that beat West Indies in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with twin centuries against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru, is expected to feature as a specialist batter. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at his inclusion during a press interaction.

South Africa Confident After WTC Win

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, arrive in India full of confidence after winning the World Test Championship (WTC). The Proteas boast a balanced attack combining pace and spin. Their lineup includes Kagiso Rabada as the pace spearhead and spinners Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy.

Curators have prepared a black-soil pitch that will offer both seam movement and turn, ensuring a fair contest.

Coach Shukri Conrad called Bavuma “South Africa’s best batter,” praising his recent comeback after a calf injury. Bavuma showed form with a fifty for South Africa ‘A’ against India. The Proteas drew 1-1 with Pakistan last month and now aim to break their long winless streak in India — a country where their post-apartheid cricket journey began at the same venue in 1991.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to assist fast bowlers early on, especially in the morning sessions. Seamers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could enjoy swing and bounce during the first two days.

As the surface hardens under sunlight, batting should become easier. However, from Day 3 onward, spinners such as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are likely to play a major role. The surface is not expected to turn excessively but will provide enough grip for spin bowlers later in the match.

Weather Report

The weather forecast for November 14–18 brings good news for fans. There is no threat of rain throughout the match. Temperatures will range between 18°C in the morning and 30°C in the afternoon, with humidity between 60% and 70%.

A light breeze and clear skies will make for pleasant playing conditions. Mornings might begin with slight haze, especially during the first three days, but the skies will clear up as the day progresses.

This means the match is expected to go uninterrupted, allowing spectators to enjoy full five days of action.

Squads

India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.