Shubman Gill lost the toss again as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first in the first Test of the two-match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.
Shubman Gill cheekily said that the
only toss he hopes to win win is hopefully in the WTC final.
🚨 Toss 🚨#TeamIndia have been asked to bowl first in Kolkata.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/okTBo3qxVH#INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/St1ygiQWwt
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 14, 2025
In fact, it was the first toss won by South Africa in India in eight Tests since 2015, with their last toss won the toss was at the same venue in 2010.
India Vs South Africa: 1st Test, Day 1 – Live Score
“Looks like a good surface. There’s a bit in it for the fast bowlers. Dressing room is good. This bunch is very hungry. This Test series is very important. There’ll be some turn as the game goes on. Rishabh comes in for Reddy and Axar is also back,” Shubman Gill said.
“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. For the 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 is the key. Rabada misses out, Corbin Bosch comes in his place.,” Temba Bavuma said after winning the toss.
A fully recovered Rishabh Pant, who had been injured in England in July, replaced all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Meanwhile, Axar Patel returned to the side, taking the place of Sai Sudharsan in the playing XI as India decided to go with four spinners.
For South Africa, top pacer Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a rib injury, with Corbin Bosch stepping in as his replacement.
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
(With inputs from Agencies)
