Overview:
It was the first toss won by South Africa in India in eight red-ball games since 2015, with their last toss win coming at the Eden Gardens in 2010.
India captain Shubman Gill lost the toss as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma decided to bat first in the series opener of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens. Gill looked frustrated and said that the only toss he would win is going to be in the World Test Championship Final.
It was the first toss won by South Africa in India in eight red-ball games since 2015, with their last toss win coming at the Eden Gardens in 2010.
“It is a good surface. There would be something for the fast bowlers. The boys are excited for the game, and they are hungry. This Test series is important for us. The spinners will get some turn as the match goes on. Rishabh has replaced Reddy, and Axar is also back,” Shubman Gill said.
“We have prepared well for the match. You don’t get to play against 50,000-60,000 people every day. I am looking forward to the game. Nothing has changed for us. We take a lot of pride from a performance point of view. The pitch is on the dry side, and there is not much grass. It is a typical Indian wicket. Runs in the first innings will be the key. Rabada misses out while Corbin Bosch comes in his place.” Temba Bavuma said.
Rishabh Pant replaced the all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Axar Patel has been given a chance in place of Sai Sudharsan in the playing XI.
For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out due to a rib injury.
IND vs SA, 1st Test: Playing XIs
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