The much-anticipated first Test of the South Africa tour of India 2025 kicks off tomorrow at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting at 9:30 AM local time. This will be the first Test match hosted by Eden Gardens in six years, setting a grand stage for a battle between two competitive sides. India leads this two-match series and will aim to continue their strong run at home with a winning start.
India‘s squad features a blend of youth and experience, led by Shubman Gill as captain. The batting lineup includes promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, supported by key players such as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who also serves as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, complemented by spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, reflecting the spin-friendly nature of the home conditions.
South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, brings a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents such as Aiden Markram, Kyle Verreynne, and the pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada. After a morale-boosting series-saving win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, the Proteas will be eager to challenge India’s dominance on home soil.
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens pitch, composed of black soil with light grass patches, is expected to offer something for both pacers and spinners. Historically, after a surface relaying in 2017 that favoured fast bowlers, the pitch has swung back to being spin-friendly, especially from the third day onward. The morning sessions are likely to assist pace bowlers with extra bounce and movement, while spinners can expect increasing assistance as the match progresses. Teams winning the toss are anticipated to bat first, with a first innings target in the range of 370-380 runs considered competitive at this venue.
Kolkata Weather Forecast for IND vs SA 1st Test
- Friday, Nov 14: Temperatures will range from 18°C to 28°C with hazy skies. Winds from the NNW at 13 km/h will keep conditions pleasant. This mild weather is ideal for players starting the Test, with no rain expected to disrupt play.
- Saturday, Nov 15: Similar conditions with temperatures between 19°C and 28°C and NNW winds at 11 km/h. The consistent weather pattern will help bowlers and batters settle into their rhythms early in the match.
- Sunday, Nov 16: A sunny day with temperatures peaking at 29°C. North winds at 11 km/h will provide a light breeze, making the outfield fast for run-scoring and assisting bowlers with swing.
- Monday, Nov 17: Another sunny day with temperatures around 29°C max and 18°C min. The steady weather will maintain good playing conditions, aiding both batting and bowling departments.
- Tuesday, Nov 18: Temperatures up to 30°C and NNW winds at 11 km/h. The sunshine will keep the pitch dry and consistent, likely preserving the bounce and pace, which quick bowlers will appreciate for late-match spells.
Overall, the dry and sunny conditions over the five days favor a full match with minimal weather interruptions, providing a balanced contest between bat and ball at Eden Gardens. The consistent warmth and wind patterns could assist seamers early, while the dry pitch may assist spinners as the match progresses.
