India have announced a strong 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning on November 14, 2025. The series, to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, promises to be one of the most high-profile contests of the current World Test Championship cycle. South Africa enter as the reigning World Test Champions, while India look to maintain their home dominance and continue the winning momentum from their recent 2-0 triumph over West Indies.
This series also signals a new chapter in Indian cricket, as Shubman Gill continues his journey as Test captain after making his leadership debut earlier this year in the England series, which ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw. His calm leadership and tactical maturity impressed both fans and critics, marking the start of a new era in Indian red-ball cricket.
India Test Squad for South Africa Series 2025
Full Squad:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.
Shubman Gill’s Leadership and the Rise of a New Core
At just 26, Shubman Gill’s elevation as Test captain represents a generational shift. Known for his elegance and composure, Gill has quickly become one of India’s most dependable batters. In 39 Tests, he has scored 2839 runs at an average of 43, with 10 centuries and 8 fifties.
His first assignment as Test captain came in the home series against England earlier this year, where India drew 2-2 in a gripping contest. Gill’s tactical awareness and balanced decisions were praised, especially in the drawn fourth Test at Dharamsala. The series also saw him step up as a leader under pressure, showing glimpses of a composed captain who leads by example.
Rishabh Pant’s Return from Injury
One of the biggest storylines heading into this series is the return of Rishabh Pant, who missed several months of action after suffering a fractured right toe during the England series. The injury occurred when he was struck by a sharp delivery from Chris Woakes in the first innings of the second Test.
Pant’s recovery and return to the squad provide a huge boost to India’s batting and leadership group. As vice captain and wicketkeeper, his presence adds balance and flair. In 47 Tests, Pant has scored 3427 runs at an average of 44.5, including 8 centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 159 not out.
His fearless approach and ability to change the tempo of a Test make him an invaluable asset. After months of rehabilitation, his comeback signifies not just a personal victory but also a morale lift for the team as they face the world champions.
Top Order Stability: Jaiswal, Gill, and Rahul
India’s top order remains one of the strongest in world cricket.
Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to rise as a star opener. In 26 Tests, he has scored 2428 runs at an average of 51.66, including 7 centuries and 12 fifties, with a highest score of 214. His ability to dominate both pace and spin makes him a key factor against South Africa’s potent bowling attack.
KL Rahul provides experience and composure. In 65 Tests, he has scored 3985 runs at an average of 36.56, with 11 centuries and 20 fifties. Rahul’s adaptability in different conditions has been vital for India in recent years.
Sai Sudharsan, after consistent domestic performances, is part of the top order rotation. In 5 Tests, he has scored 273 runs at an average of 30, with 2 fifties and a highest of 87. His calm temperament makes him a dependable option at number three.
Together with captain Gill, the trio forms a stable and versatile top order capable of handling both pace and spin.
Middle Order and Wicketkeeping Depth
Pant’s return strengthens the middle order, while Dhruv Jurel, who scored his maiden Test century against West Indies, adds depth as a second wicketkeeping option. Devdutt Padikkal also provides variety and technique in the middle order, giving India flexibility depending on conditions.
Pant’s fearless counterattacking approach, combined with Jurel’s composure, gives India one of the most dynamic wicketkeeping pairs in Test cricket today.
All Round Strength and Lower Order Reliability
Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s premier all-rounder and match-winner. In 87 Tests, he has scored 3990 runs at an average of 38.73, with 6 centuries and 27 fifties, while taking 389 wickets at an average of 30.26. His consistency with both bat and ball makes him the backbone of India’s Test side.
Washington Sundar continues to impress with his all round skills. In 15 Tests, he has scored 761 runs at an average of 44, including 1 century and 5 fifties, and taken 35 wickets. His ability to bat responsibly in the lower order gives India depth that few teams can match.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, a promising pace bowling all rounder, adds freshness to the squad. In 9 Tests, he has scored 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including a highest score of 114, and taken 8 wickets.
Axar Patel also provides spin and lower order stability, making India’s all round department one of the most complete in Test cricket.
Bowling Attack: Depth and Variety
India’s bowling unit is among the most versatile in the world, capable of adapting to any condition.
Jasprit Bumrah leads the attack with 226 wickets in 50 Tests at an outstanding average of 19.8. His control and pace remain unmatched, and he recently equalled Javagal Srinath’s record for the fastest Indian bowler to 50 home wickets.
Mohammed Siraj brings aggression and consistency with 133 wickets in 43 Tests. His ability to generate movement even on slow pitches makes him an ideal partner for Bumrah.
Akash Deep, with his domestic performances, adds another dimension to the pace attack. His swing bowling could prove valuable in early morning sessions in Kolkata and Guwahati.
Among spinners, Kuldeep Yadav continues to shine. In 15 Tests, he has taken 68 wickets, often breaking partnerships with his sharp turn and variations. Alongside him, Jadeja, Sundar, and Axar form a four pronged spin attack that gives India flexibility depending on pitch conditions.
India’s Recent Form and Preparation
India enter the South Africa series after a dominant 2 0 win over West Indies earlier this year. The team won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs and clinched the second in Delhi by seven wickets. Dhruv Jurel’s maiden century and Kuldeep Yadav’s eight wickets stood out, while Bumrah’s milestone added to India’s confidence.
Before that, India drew the England series 2-2, where Gill captained for the first time and showcased calm decision making under pressure.
What to Expect
This series is crucial for India as they host the reigning world champions in their own conditions. It provides an opportunity to test their new leadership under Shubman Gill, assess the bench strength, and gain valuable WTC points. The combination of seasoned stars like Jadeja, Bumrah, and Pant with youngsters like Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Reddy represents the perfect blend of experience and potential.
Final Thoughts
India’s squad for the South Africa Test series reflects a well thought out balance between experience and youth. Shubman Gill’s continued leadership, Rishabh Pant’s return from injury, and the depth across batting, all round, and bowling departments make India a formidable side at home.
The upcoming series is not just about results but also about shaping the next phase of Indian Test cricket. If this unit performs to its potential, it could mark the beginning of a new and dominant era under Gill’s captaincy.