All eyes now shift to Kolkata as India and South Africa prepare to face off in the opening Test of their two-match series at the historic Eden Gardens from November 14. The stage is set for an intense
contest between a dominant home side and a visiting unit determined to adapt and excel in challenging subcontinental conditions.
India enter the red-ball arena with a refreshed squad under head coach Gautam Gambhir. After wrapping up a strong showing in the T20I leg in Australia, they return to one of their most trusted venues in Test cricket.
The atmosphere at Eden Gardens-steeped in tradition and backed by a passionate crowd-has often brought out India's best, and they will hope to capitalize on that advantage once again.
IND vs SA Team News
Ryan ten Doeschate praised Dhruv Jurel's red-hot form, saying he remains undroppable even with Rishabh Pant back. India have paused their search for a seam-bowling all-rounder, releasing Nitish Reddy from the first Test squad and redirecting him to India A's unofficial ODIs until November 19, with Pant set to return to the XI.
After the Rawalpindi success, South Africa are eager to deploy their spinners in Indian conditions. On the eve of the match, WTC-winning skipper Temba Bavuma-back after missing the Pakistan tour-refused to reveal his combination, saying the decision between three spinners and two pacers, or vice-versa, will be made after Thursday's training session.
India vs South Africa Predicted Playing 11
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
India vs South Africa Live Streaming: Where to Watch 1st Test on TV and Online?
India
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match will be telecast on Star Sports network and JioHotstar app and website from 9:30 AM IST.
Pakistan
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match live streaming will be available on Tapmad from 9:00 AM PKT.
Bangladesh
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match will be telecast on T Sports from 10:00 am local time.
United Kingdom
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match will be telecast on TNT Sports and on Discovery+ for streaming services from 4:00 am BST in the United Kingdom on Friday.
USA
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match can be watched via Willow TV network from 11:00 PM ET / 8 pm PT (Thursday) in USA.
South Africa
The India vs South Africa 1st Test match can be watched via SuperSport from 6:00 AM local time.
