Shubman Gill, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram (X) India are all set to take on South Africa in a two-match Test series starting Friday, 14 November, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second and final Test will be played in Guwahati from 22 November. This series carries extra weight — South Africa are the current World Test Championship (WTC) title holders, while India are aiming to build on their dominant home form after sweeping the West Indies 2-0 earlier this year. For South Africa, the challenge is to continue their fighting form after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Pakistan. Historically, contests between these two cricketing giants have been closely fought. Out of the 44 Tests played between India and South Africa, the Proteas hold a slight edge with 18 wins, while India have claimed victory 16 times. Ten matches have ended in draws.
No off days as captain Shubman Gill, coach Gautam Gambhir arrive in Kolkata for Test series
On Indian soil, however, the numbers tell a different story. Out of 19 Tests played in India, the hosts have won 11, South Africa have managed five victories, and three matches have been drawn — a testament to Indiaâ€s formidable record at home. The two sides have shared a competitive rivalry over the past decade. Their last five Test series have produced thrilling results:
- The 2023/24 series ended in a 1-1 draw in South Africa.
- The 2021/22 series saw the Proteas triumph 2-1 at home.
- India dominated the 2019/20 home series with a 3-0 whitewash.
- South Africa won the 2017/18 series 2-1.
- And in 2015/16, India claimed a convincing 3-0 win at home.
Shubman Gill will lead India in this series, with Rishabh Pant serving as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. Indiaâ€s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), 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 South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, have brought a balanced squad featuring a mix of proven performers and exciting young talents.South Africa squad for India tour: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne As the two teams gear up for another chapter in their rich rivalry, fans can expect a classic battle of temperament, skill, and pride — a perfect start to Indiaâ€s home Test season.
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