- By Gurmeet Batra
- Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Toss Update: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first against India in their first Test of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.
Heading into the first Test, the Proteas have ringed in a lot of changes with the pace ace Kagiso Rabada missing out due to an injury.
For India, the star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was out of action due to injury, returns to the playing XI. India opted to head into the match with all-rounder Axar Patel, sitting out batter Sai Sudharsan.
ALSO READ: IND vs SA 1st Test Live Scorecard
Speaking at the time of toss, the South Africa captain said, "We will have a bat. The boys just came back from Pakistan. I was with the A team. From a preparation point of view, we've done as best as we can. It's not every day you get to play against 50,000-60,000 people in the stands. So, I'm looking forward to the challenge. Being back in India, it's always an eye-opener. Looking forward to everything."
"It's been sitting well at the moment (on being the World Test Champions). Hopefully, nothing really changes. From a performance point of view, work around with a lot more pride. But to keep doing what we've been doing. (On the pitch) It's on the dry side. Not much grass. It's a typical Indian wicket. First innings runs are the key. Rabada misses out, Corbin Bosch comes in his place," he added.
India captain Shubman Gill said, "Looks like a good surface. There's a bit in it for the fast bowlers. The dressing room is good. This bunch is very hungry. This Test series is very important. There'll be some turns as the game goes on. Rishabh comes in for Reddy, and Axar is also back."
India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Playing XIs
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj.
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.