India are hosting South Africa for the first Test of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Ahead of the match, the visiting side announced their Playing XI at the toss after asking the Shubman Gill-led side to bowl first. However, the Proteas enter the contest without the services of their most experienced bowler — Kagiso Rabada. In his place, Corbin Bosch was announced as the replacement in the Playing XI for the game.
Toss Update
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat
first at a seemingly fresh track in Kolkata. He announced that Rabada, who has been recuperating from a rib injury, has been ruled out of the first Test, with all-rounder Bosch replacing him. India, who are bowling first, lost their eighth consecutive toss, and Gill lightheartedly said that he would probably win his first-ever toss in Tests at the 2027 World Test Championship final.
Rabada out for Proteas; India without Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sai Sudharsan
Apart from Rabada being unavailable, India welcomed Rishabh Pant back into their set-up. On the other hand, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series and thus, was not considered for a place in the Kolkata fixture. India picked four spinners in their XI, with Dhruv Jurel also retaining his place in the side.
What did the captains say?
Temba Bavuma
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. 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 due to a rib injury, Corbin Bosch comes in his place.
Shubman Gill
(On losing yet another toss) I think the only toss that I'm going to win is hopefully in the WTC finals. Yeah. Looks like a good surface. Hopefully, we'll get some movement early, hopefully we're able to extract that. Dressing room is pretty amazing. This Test bunch is very hungry and is always determined to perform every time we come out.These two test matches for us are very crucial and we're as hungry as ever. Looks like a good surface. It's going to be a good surface for the first day or a couple of days. And then, hopefully, we'll get some turn as the game goes on. Rishabh comes back in place of Reddy since we last played. And Axar is also back in the side.
Playing XIs
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj
