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The Indian cricket team gears up for the 1st clash of the two-match Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. The match is set to be held at the Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. India come into this Test series on the back of beating West Indies 2-0 at home and drawing 2-2 against England away.

This is India’s third assignment in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship. With a PCT of 61.90 the Shubman Gill-led side is placed third. From 7 Tests, India have won 4 (D1 L2). On the other hand, WTC 2023-25 champions South Africa are playing their 2nd series of the ongoing cycle. Before this, they drew 1-1 against Pakistan away.

India are up for a severe test against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa. The Proteas’ recent show against Pakistan hands them plenty of confidence. However, India will back themselves to come out triumphant. They have played quality cricket so far in WTC 2025-27.

India squad for the Eden Gardens Test

Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc/wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

South Africa squad for the India Tests

Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.

India and South Africa have featured in 44 Test matches. India have won 16 matches compared to the Proteas’ 18. 10 matches have been drawn. At Eden Gardens, the H2H record reads 2-1 for India between the two teams.

India probable XI for the match against South Africa

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa probable XI for the match against India

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada.

The 1st Test will start at 9:30 am IST on November 14.

Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata & Key Details of the Stadium

The Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata, is located in East India. Established in 1864, the stadium can host around 66000 people. Apart from cricket, the stadium hosted the maiden edition of the Nehru Cup in 1982 and India vs Uruguay match in the 1984 Nehru Cup.

The stadium is Cricket Association of Bengal’s headquarters. The Kolkata Knight Riders also use Eden Gardens as their venue. The stadium underwent renovation ahead of the ICC World Cup 2011. The stadium has played host in three other World Cup editions. Meanwhile, the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 saw 5 matches including the final get played here.

What is the Pitch like at Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata?

The wicket is laid on black-soil and with trimmed grass it’s likely to assist the older ball and aid reverse swing. Early bounce for pacers will be expected. However, the surface is expected to slow down as the match progresses, perhaps favouring spinners from Day 2 or Day 3 onwards. The curator has said it’s a sporting wicket which will aid batters, pacers and spinners alike. So a balanced surface is expected. Notably, India didn’t ask for a rank turner after the move backfired in a 3-0 demolition by New Zealand in 2024.

Key Stats & Records at Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata

A total of 42 Test matches have been played here. India have managed 13 wins and 9 defeats. 20 matches have been drawn. India own the highest team total at Eden Gardens. They scored 657/7d versus Australia in 2001.

Meanwhile, India also own the lowest team total here. They scored 90 versus West Indies in 1983.

South Africa’s highest total here is 428 in 1996. Their lowest score is 222 recorded in 2004.

VVS Laxman owns the most runs here among batsmen, scoring 1217 runs at 110.63. He also boasts the highest individual score here (281) and the most number of 50-plus scores (8). He also posted the highest stand (any wicket) alongside Rahul Dravid against Australia in 2001 (376 runs).

Among bowlers, Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble own the most wickets here. Bhajji managed to take 46 wickets whereas Kumble took 40 scalps.

As per ESPNcricinfothe average run rate for teams batting first here in Tests read as 2.83 across 42 games. This drops to 2.71 for teams batting 2nd.

IND vs SA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

According to the weather forecast, no rain is forecast for the 1st Test. Expect sunny weather with humid conditions. This is likely to be the case for all 5 days of the India vs South Africa 1st Test. Accuweather predicts hazy mornings for the first three days, but the weather should get clearer as the day progresses. Temperatures are expected to range in late 20s to early 30 degree Celsius.

India vs South Africa: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

All things considered, Kolkata is likely to offer a good balanced wicket with spinners coming into the fray as the ball gets older. India will start as favourites. They would be tempted to go in with three spinners and two pacers. South Africa will also be going in with 5 bowling options. They could field three pace options.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata

What is the pitch report for Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata

The wicket is laid on black-soil and with trimmed grass it’s likely to assist the older ball and aid reverse swing. Early bounce for pacers will be expected. However, the surface is expected to slow down as the match progresses, perhaps favouring spinners from Day 2 or Day 3 onwards. The curator has said it’s a sporting wicket which will aid batters, pacers and spinners alike.

What is India and SA’s record at Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata?

The two teams have met thrice at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India have won two matches, with the Proteas winning once.