India announce playing XI for 1st Test against South Africa
The much-anticipated Test series between India and South Africa has finally begun, with the first match taking place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In a crucial toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the coin flip and elected to bat first against the Indian team. This decision could prove to be a challenging one, given the spin-friendly nature of the Eden Gardens pitch.
One of the most significant inclusions in India’s playing XI is the return of wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a foot fracture that kept him out of action for a considerable period. Pant’s aggressive batting style and exceptional wicket-keeping skills make him a vital component of the Indian team, and his presence is expected to bolster the team’s chances of success.
India’s bowling attack for the first Test features a unique combination of four spinners and two pacers. The spin quartet includes Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, all of whom are known for their ability to exploit the conditions and wreak havoc on the opposition batting lineup. The two pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will provide the much-needed pace and aggression to the Indian bowling attack.
The inclusion of four spinners in the playing XI is a clear indication of the Indian team’s strategy to utilize the spin-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens to their advantage. The pitch is expected to offer significant turn and bounce, making it a paradise for spin bowlers. With the likes of Jadeja, Sundar, Patel, and Yadav in the team, India will be looking to use their spinners to dictate the terms of the game and put pressure on the South African batsmen.
On the other hand, the South African team will be looking to counter the Indian spin attack with their batting prowess. The Proteas have a strong batting lineup, with the likes of Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, and Temba Bavuma, who are all capable of playing long innings and scoring big runs. The South African batsmen will need to be at their best to negotiate the Indian spinners and post a competitive total on the board.
The first Test between India and South Africa is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams having the potential to win the game. The Indian team will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit, while the South Africans will be seeking to cause an upset and take the lead in the series.
As the game gets underway, the focus will be on the Indian spinners and their ability to exploit the conditions. The likes of Jadeja, Sundar, Patel, and Yadav will be looking to use their variations and guile to outsmart the South African batsmen and pick up wickets at regular intervals. The Indian team will also be hoping that their batsmen can rise to the occasion and post a significant total on the board, should they get the opportunity to bat.
In conclusion, the first Test between India and South Africa is shaping up to be an exciting encounter, with both teams having the potential to win the game. The Indian team’s decision to play four spinners and two pacers is a bold move, and it will be interesting to see how it pays off. With Rishabh Pant back in the team, the Indian batting lineup looks stronger, and the team will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit.
As the game unfolds, we can expect to see some thrilling cricket, with the Indian spinners taking center stage. The South African batsmen will need to be at their best to counter the Indian spin attack, and the game could go either way. One thing is for sure, though – the first Test between India and South Africa is going to be an exciting encounter that will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats.
For all the latest updates and live scores from the first Test between India and South Africa, please visit: https://www.crictracker.com/live-scores/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-south-africa-tour-of-india-14-nov-2025/
News Source: https://www.crictracker.com/live-scores/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-south-africa-tour-of-india-14-nov-2025/
