IND vs SA 1st Test 2025: Team Analysis, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Match Prediction |

IND vs SA 1st Match Preview & Prediction: The two-match Test series between India and South Africa kicks off with the opening encounter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM IST.

India, riding high after a dominant 2-0 series win over West Indies, will look to continue their home dominance. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, enters the contest with renewed confidence after drawing 1-1 against Pakistan. With both teams in solid form, this clash promises to be a thrilling Test battle at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

In this article, we take a look at the IND vs SA 1st Test Match Preview, Pitch Report, Prediction, and Stats.

Match Details – IND vs SA 1st Match

IND vs SA Team Preview & Analysis

India

Team India is back in familiar territory once again, dominating the visiting teams. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India has been in excellent form and has won the last two home Test series.

The batting line-up looks strong, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul forming a formidable opening pair, while Gill, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel will lead the middle order.

The all-round depth of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar balances the team. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj lead a strong fast bowling attack, which is also helped by Kuldeep Yadav’s spin bowling.

Key players to watch:

Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant

South Africa

Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, South Africa will be keen to end a long drought of Test victories in India. The visitors have not won a series in India in the last 15 years, but are full of confidence after their impressive performance against Pakistan.

Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton will look to get a steady start, while Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi and Wian Mulder will have to lead the innings. Kyle Verne and Tristan Stubbs will provide depth in the lower order.

The bowling attack will rely on Kagiso Rabada’s pace and Keshav Maharaj’s spin, which are crucial on subcontinental pitches.

Key players to watch:

Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj

IND vs SA  Predicted Playing XI

India:
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa:
Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Ryan Rickelton, Simon Harmer

IND vs SA Pitch Report – Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The surface at Eden Gardens is expected to offer something for everyone. The first two days usually favour batsmen with good bounce and carry, but as the match progresses, spinners come into play with sharp turn and uneven bounce.

Pitch Type: Batting Friendly (Turns from Day 3)
Average 1st Innings Score: 289
Pace Bowling: Early swing and reverse later
Spin Bowling: High turn and grip from Day 3
Toss Prediction: To Bat First

Teams prefer to bat first at Eden Gardens, as chasing in the fourth innings becomes extremely difficult due to the sharp turn and variable bounce.

Weather Forecast – Kolkata, Nov 14–18, 2025

Perfect weather for a five-day Test — no rain expected, ideal for batting early on.

IND vs SA 1st Match Win Prediction