Overview:
In Test matches, India and South Africa have squared off 44 times. South Africa currently lead the head-to-head with 18 wins, while India have secured 16 victories. Ten matches have ended in a draw.
The first Test of the two-match series will see India face South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting on Thursday, November 14.
India’s unbeaten reputation at home took a hit when New Zealand pulled off a remarkable series whitewash last year. Since Shubman Gill took over as Test captain, India seems to have found its rhythm again. They secured a 2-2 draw against England, followed by a convincing 2-0 series win against the West Indies, showing they’ve bounced back and are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
South Africa, who managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Pakistan, will look to their spinners to exploit the conditions in India, hoping to find success.
Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens wicket is likely to help the batters in the early stages, but as the match progresses, it will begin to favour the spinners. Batters will need to adjust to the evolving conditions, facing both pace and spin.
Weather Report
The weather will remain clear for the match, with no rain expected. The temperature is expected to reach 28°C during the day, dropping to 18°C in the evening.
IND vs SA Test head-to-head records
In Test matches, India and South Africa have squared off 44 times. South Africa currently lead the head-to-head with 18 wins, while India have secured 16 victories. Ten matches have ended in a draw. While South Africa hold the upper hand historically, India will be determined to close the gap in the upcoming Test series.
IND vs SA Probable Top Performers
Key Batter to Watch Out For: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal made a significant impact in the 2025 Test season, featuring in 8 matches and 15 innings. The young opener scored 662 runs at an average of 44.13, with a highest score of 175. His strike rate of 67.68 further highlights his solid technique. Jaiswal notched up 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to dominate with the bat.
Key Bowler to Watch Out For: Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj will be a crucial bowler for South Africa in the 1st Test, having displayed impressive form in the 2025 season. The left-arm spinner claimed 19 wickets in 4 matches, with his best bowling figures of 7/102 and a match-haul of 9/136. Maharaj’s ability to control the game, coupled with his remarkable economy rate of 2.90, makes him a key weapon for South Africa in India. With the pitch likely to offer turn, he could play a pivotal role in breaking key partnerships.
IND vs SA : Predicted Playing 11s
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
India
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
India vs South Africa: Match Prediction
South Africa have the potential to challenge India, but the hosts are formidable at home. With their strong record on home soil, we expect India to win the first Test.