India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 — The Contest Begins
There’s a certain buzz before any India–South Africa Test series — and this one feels extra charged. The first ball of the two-match series will be bowled tomorrow at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and though it’s a short series, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams have something to prove: South Africa want to justify their World Test Championship crown, while India, under new Test captain Shubman Gill, want to reinforce their dominance at home. This Ind vs SA test series does show promise for the fans.
India vs South Africa — Test Series Schedule (2025)
| Match | Dates | Venue | Local Start | IST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 14–18 Nov 2025 (Fri–Tue) | Eden Gardens · Kolkata | 10:30 AM | 10:30 AM IST | WTC points; pitch expected to help seam early, turn later |
| 2nd Test | 22–26 Nov 2025 (Sat–Wed) | Barsapara Stadium · Guwahati | 10:30 AM | 10:30 AM IST | Decisive match — series result likely decided here |
Eden Gardens · Kolkata
Barsapara Stadium · Guwahati
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ind.webp and /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sa.webp.A Short Series, High on Stakes
With just two Tests on the schedule, there’s no room to settle in or experiment. Every session will matter, every dropped catch could hurt. For South Africa, it’s another attempt to win a Test series in India — something they haven’t managed since the 1999–2000 season. For India, it’s about continuing their incredible home record, where they’ve lost only a handful of matches in the last decade.
Eden Gardens, hosting a Test after six years, sets the stage. Expect a pitch with early seam movement, gradually turning into a spinner’s ally by day three. Batting first might prove crucial — that’s the kind of surface where you build once and defend forever.
Team Squads for Ind vs SA Test Series
India vs South Africa — Test Squads
India’s New Chapter Under Shubman Gill
This series marks a fresh era in Indian Test cricket. Shubman Gill, stepping into full-time captaincy, has the task of leading a side that’s transitioning — a blend of young fire and seasoned calm.
The biggest comeback story, however, is Rishabh Pant. His return to Test cricket adds flair and unpredictability to India’s middle order. Pant’s ability to change the rhythm of a session could be India’s secret weapon, especially if the Proteas quicks get early breakthroughs.
India’s bowling looks balanced. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav headline the spin department, while the fast-bowling group led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj offers the bite needed to dominate at home. The only question is who partners Jadeja — Axar Patel or Kuldeep — a call that Gill has so far kept close to his chest.
South Africa: Champions With a Point to Prove
South Africa arrive as reigning World Test Champions, but playing India in India is still their biggest test.
Captain Temba Bavuma has been vocal: this series, he says, is “as big as a WTC Final.” Their core strength lies in pace — Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Marco Jansen all bring speed and bounce. Yet, in India, raw pace is only half the battle; control and patience win matches here.
The Proteas’ spinners, led by Keshav Maharaj, will have to adapt quickly. Their record in Asia isn’t impressive, but they’ll know the formula — attack the stumps, build pressure, and hope the batters find enough runs to support the bowlers.
Their batting will depend heavily on Aiden Markram, Bavuma, and the ever-composed Dean Elgar, who knows subcontinental conditions well. If they can weather India’s spinners deep into the third day, South Africa have a chance to cause an upset.
Venue Watch: Eden Gardens Returns
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is more than a stadium — it’s theatre. The last time South Africa played here in a Test, they were undone by spin and scoreboard pressure. This time, the conditions might be slightly more balanced. Weather forecasts predict clear skies and temperatures between 18°C and 30°C, meaning the pitch should stay good for batting early on before rough patches emerge for spinners.
Crowds in Kolkata bring energy that’s hard to replicate elsewhere — loud, emotional, and cricket-savvy. Expect a packed house for Day 1.
Key Players to Watch
Every Test series throws up a few defining battles. For India, it’s Pant vs Rabada — a duel of instinct versus precision. If Pant settles, India’s innings could explode. Kuldeep Yadav’s form will also be key; his ability to break partnerships against right-handers could decide the rhythm of the series.
For South Africa, Aiden Markram holds the key at the top. If he can blunt Bumrah’s new-ball spell, the visitors might escape early collapses. Marco Jansen, both with bat and ball, could quietly turn out to be the X-factor.
Where to Watch
| Country | TV Channel(s) | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports, DD Sports | JioHotstar (web/app), DD National (terrestrial free-to-air) |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports | PTV Sports App, Tamasha App |
| Sri Lanka | Star Sports, Siyatha TV | Dialog TV, Siyatha TV Online |
| Bangladesh | Star Sports, Gazi TV | Toffee App, Rabbitholebd |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport Digital Platform |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go |
| Australia | Foxtel, Channel 7 | Kayo Sports |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go, NOW Sports |
| Canada | Willow TV | Willow TV App |
| US | Willow TV | Willow TV App, ESPN+ |
Match starts at 9:00 AM IST (Perth 11:30 AM local). Check local guides for possible regional channel additions.
As the sun comes up on the first morning in Kolkata, both teams will walk out knowing that a two-Test series leaves no space for hesitation. It’s the kind of contest where one brave session, one spell of magic, or one stubborn partnership can swing the entire narrative. India, with a new captain and familiar expectations, will look to assert control early. South Africa, carrying the weight of their WTC crown, arrive with something to prove on surfaces that have historically challenged them. Whatever unfolds, this series promises intensity, pride, and a reminder of why Test cricket still delivers the richest drama. Buckle up — the story starts now.
