South Africa Bats First in Thrilling India Test Opener

The much-awaited first Test of the India vs South Africa series kicked off on 2025-11-15 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South African captain Temba Bavuma, who will miss the game due to injury, won the toss and opted to bat first, handing over captaincy duties to stand-in all-rounder Corbin Bosch.

Bavuma's decision to bat first reflects a strategic approach, aiming to capitalize on what is expected to be a dry surface offering bounce but not excessive movement early on. The Proteas are coming off a hard-fought 1-1 Test series draw against Pakistan, while India enters this fixture fresh off a dominant 2-0 series win over West Indies.

For India, Shubman Gill continues his streak of toss-related misfortune, yet remains upbeat about his team's prospects. Gill confirmed the return of Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel to the playing XI, while Washington Sundar has been promoted to the crucial number three spot, indicating India's focus on consolidating early in the innings.

Both teams boast a strong lineup, with South Africa's experienced campaigners like Aiden Markram and Bavuma complemented by rising talents such as Tristan Stubbs. India, on the other hand, has a blend of explosive batting and world-class bowling options, led by the formidable pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The Eden Gardens pitch, known for aiding spinners later in the game, is expected to play a crucial role, making the first innings potentially decisive in this thrilling series opener.