India and South Africa are set to clash in the first Test of their two-match series at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, 2025.
The hosts come in confident after a 2-0 win over West Indies and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. Their form at home remains strong, with Shubman Gill leading the charge with the bat, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah continue to anchor the bowling unit.
South Africa, fresh from a mixed outing against Pakistan, arrive in India with a balanced squad featuring both pace and spin options. Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and Aiden Markram have been consistent run-getters, while Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj will be key to breaking India’s resistance.
India vs South Africa: Who Will Win?
India are the favourites heading into the first Test at Eden Gardens. The hosts have an excellent record at home and look well-balanced across departments. Their spinners are likely to thrive on Kolkata’s surface.
South Africa have the firepower to challenge India, but their success will depend on how well they handle spin and adapt to conditions early.
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Head-to-head record: India vs South Africa in Test matches
India and South Africa have faced each other 44 times in Test matches. South Africa lead the head-to-head rivalry with 18 wins, while India have won 16 matches and 10 matches ended in draws.
- Total matches: 44
- India wins: 16
- South Africa wins: 18
- Tied/No result: 10
India vs South Africa Form Guide & Predictions
India and South Africa meet in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, for what promises to be an intense red-ball battle. India have maintained solid form at home and overseas this year, while South Africa arrive with strong momentum after a series win against Zimbabwe and a drawn series in Pakistan.
India – Last 5 Test Matches (All Competitions)
- India won by 7 wickets vs West Indies (Delhi)
- India won by an innings & 140 runs vs West Indies (Ahmedabad)
- India won by 6 runs vs England (The Oval)
- Match drawn vs England (Manchester)
- England won by 22 runs vs India (Lord’s)
South Africa – Last 5 Test Matches (All Competitions)
- South Africa won by 8 wickets vs Pakistan (Rawalpindi)
- Pakistan won by 93 runs vs South Africa (Lahore)
- South Africa won by an innings & 236 runs vs Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)
- South Africa won by 328 runs vs Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)
- South Africa won by 5 wickets vs Australia (Lord’s)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for IND vs SA 1st Test
- If India bat first: 380–420 runs
- If South Africa bat first: 320–350 runs
Expected Result: India hold the advantage in home conditions and could take a 1-0 lead in Kolkata.
India vs South Africa lineups: Predicted XIs and team news
India Team News
India enter the first Test against South Africa in good shape, sitting third on the WTC 2027 points table with 52 points from seven matches. The Shubman Gill-led side has won four Tests in the current cycle and will aim to extend that record at home.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the Test squad to join India A and is expected to return for the second match. The management has confirmed that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel will feature in the playing XI, strengthening the team’s batting and wicket keeping options. Pant, who had a brief injury scare during the A series, has been cleared to play and will serve as vice-captain.
India (predicted playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (vc/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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South Africa Team News
South Africa arrive in India with a settled and fully fit squad. The visitors have made no changes to their 15-man group and will rely on their pace depth and experienced all-rounders. Captain Temba Bavuma has recovered from his calf strain and will lead the side, while Dewald Brevis, who had a minor shoulder issue during the T20s, has been declared fit.
The squad is well-balanced, combining experienced bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj with young batters such as Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton. South Africa’s approach will revolve around their strong pace attack and spin support from Simon Harmer and Maharaj.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer
Players to Watch – India vs South Africa 1st Test
Shubman Gill (India): India’s captain has been in sublime form, scoring 946 runs in seven Tests as skipper at an average of 78.8. His ability to handle both pace and spin will be key up top.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): The spearhead has taken 23 wickets in six Tests this year at an average of 23.4. His early breakthroughs and reverse swing in home conditions could decide the match.
Simon Harmer (South Africa): The off-spinner thrives in Asian conditions and recently took 13 wickets against Pakistan. His experience and accuracy make him a serious challenge for India’s lineup.
IND vs. SA betting odds & tips: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, India enter the opening Test match as clear favourites, priced at 1.18 compared to South Africa’s 4.55.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
India | 1.18 |
South Africa | 4.55 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- India to win – Home advantage and stronger batting depth give India the upper hand in Kolkata.
- Jasprit Bumrah to take a five-wicket haul – His form and skill with the old ball make him a major threat.
- Shubman Gill to score a century – The skipper’s consistency and control against pace could anchor India’s innings.
IND vs. SA live scorecard: 1st Test
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Where to watch IND vs. SA 1st Test in India
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- Date & Time (IST): Friday, November 14, 10:00 a.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: JioHotstar
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