India vs South Africa two matches test series starting at Eden Gardens on November 14 , both teams aim to start the series strongly. With India’s home advantage and South Africa’s challenging pace attack, the clash promises thrilling cricket, fierce battles between two top teams.

Team Preview

India enters the series on the back of a strong run of results. They most recently secured a dominant 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies at home. The biggest boost is the return of Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain), who has recovered from a foot injury and adds explosive counter-attacking power to the middle order. He is set to play alongside  Dhruv Jurel, who is in phenomenal form, having scored back-to-back centuries for India A against South Africa A just last week, while Kl Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan , crucial at the top against quality bowling attack, Shubman Gill, anchor the innings in middle order. India also have  challenge how play against South African spin trio .

India bowling strength lies in their spin-heavy attack, featuring the world-class all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and the wrist-spin threat of Kuldeep Yadav. Their pace attack is spearheaded by the precision and swing expertise of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, essential for exploiting the early Eden Gardens conditions.

On the other hand South Africa the reigning World Test Champions, They come into this crucial contest following a tightly contested 1-1 series draw in Pakistan, where their resilience was truly tested. Their goal remains elusive: securing a rare Test series victory in India, a feat they have not achieved since 2000.

Captain Temba Bavuma returns, having fully recovered from the calf strain that kept him out of the Pakistan series,  their batting heavily rely on Opener Aiden Markram and Rayn Rickelton provide steady start, while Zubair Hamza, Temba Bhvuma, Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis will play crucial role in middle order and big, Tony De Zorzi who had good recent series against Pakistan,challenges will be how they tackle spinners, while Their bowling attack is well-settled, with pace led by the world-class Kagiso Rabada and the lanky all-rounder Marco Jansen. Critically, they have a strong spin unit in Keshav Maharaj, Senuran muthusamy and Simon Harmer, who will be key to challenging India batters.

India vs South Africa Head to Head Records in test

Total matches played: 44

South Africa won: 18

India won: 16

Draws: 18

Pitch Report

Early reports suggest a hard, black-soil surface that will offer consistent bounce, initially favouring batters. However, as the game progresses, the surface is expected to wear, potentially leading to cracks appearing early, which will make the ball rough and bring reverse swing into play. While spin will be a factor, it is unlikely to be a rank turner, promising a contest that might last the full five days.

Probable playing XIs

India

Kl Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, kuldeep yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj

South Africa

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tony De Zorzi, Temba Bhvuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen Kyle Verreynne(wk), Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada

Players to watch out

Shubman Gill

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Ravindra Jadeja

Temba Bhvuma

Keshav Maharaj

Tony De Zorzi

Prediction

India is the overwhelming favourite in their home conditions. However, South Africa  tag as World Test Champions, coupled with a well-balanced bowling attack that includes a potent spin duo, means they possess the tools to pose a significant threat. The match promises an enthralling five-day contest, with the team that handles the subtle changes in the pitch conditions particularly the emergence of reverse swing and turn likely to seize the advantage.