- By Namrata Vijay
- Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs SA 1st Test: India skipper Shubman Gill has lost another toss as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has chosen to bat first in the series opener in Kolkata on Friday. Gill then took a cheeky dig and revealed that the only toss he will now win is probably in the WTC summit clash.
It should be noted that it was the first time that the Proteas had won a toss in India after 2015, as they had last won a toss way back in 2010 in Kolkata.
“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," Gill was heard as saying at the time of the toss.
“From a preparation point of view, we’ve done our best 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." Temba Bavuma said at the time of the toss.
IND vs SA, 1st Test: Playing 11s
South Africa: 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: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.