The India vs South Africa Test series begins with the opening match scheduled from 14–18 November 2025 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This first Test carries significant weight, not just for the series but also for the World Test Championship standings. India will look to impose their dominance at home, while South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, aim to prove that they can challenge and win in one of the toughest Test environments.
Live Streaming Info
Fans in India can watch the IND vs SA 1st Test live on Star Sports, and Ten Sports in Pakistan.In South Africa, SuperSport and the DStv app will broadcast the match. Match Start Time: 5:00 PST / 11:30 AM GMT / 5:30 PM IST
Team Analysis
India enters the 1st Test with a well-rounded and formidable squad. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the side possesses a powerful blend of young flair and experienced composure. The opening and top-order combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Gill offers a mix of aggression and solid technique, while Rishabh Pant’s return behind the stumps boosts both batting firepower and wicketkeeping sharpness.
India’s real strength lies in their all-round balance. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar provide the perfect combination of control, batting depth, and spin variations. This trio ensures India remains competitive whether defending a target or hunting for wickets in long sessions.
The pace department, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, is expected to make early breakthroughs, especially during morning sessions when Eden Gardens traditionally offers seam movement. Their ability to reverse swing the ball later in the day adds an additional layer of threat. With Kuldeep Yadav available as an attacking spin option, India possesses a bowling lineup capable of dominating in any session.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, arrives with a determined and balanced squad. Their batting lineup relies heavily on discipline, patience, and the ability to absorb long spells of spin—a key challenge for any visiting team in India. South Africa’s success will depend on building partnerships and resisting India’s relentless spin pressure, especially from day three onward.
Their bowling strength lies in their seam attack, which traditionally performs well in Kolkata. Early swing, bounce, and accuracy will be crucial for the Proteas pacers as they attempt to unsettle India’s top order. Their spin attack may not match India’s in diversity, but South Africa has shown in past tours that disciplined spin—bowling tight lines and forcing mistakes—can be effective even without high-profile names.
Match Insights and Conclusion
Eden Gardens is expected to offer a balanced surface at the start of the Test. The first two days should provide good batting conditions, with enough movement in the first session for pacers to remain relevant. As the match progresses into days three and four, the pitch is likely to slow down and begin offering grip and turn, bringing spinners firmly into the contest.
The toss could play a decisive role in shaping the match. A team batting first may benefit from early batting-friendly conditions, but batting last against high-quality spin could be a daunting task. Momentum swings are common at Eden Gardens, and both teams will need to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
The IND vs SA 1st Test promises a strategic, intense, and engaging five-day battle. India’s depth, spin attack, and home advantage make them the stronger side on paper, but South Africa’s discipline, recent form, and championship pedigree ensure that they cannot be underestimated. This Test is likely to set the tone for the series, with tactical decisions, session-by-session control, and adaptability determining who takes the early lead. The stage is set for a gripping contest at Eden Gardens. If you wanna catch Ind Vs SA live, scroll above and click on the link provided.
