India gear up for an exciting Test series against South Africa starting November 14, 2025, with high expectations from fans and experts alike. The two-match Test series forms a crucial part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship and will be played at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium. South Africa arrive as the reigning World Test Champions, promising fierce competition against an Indian side eager to assert its dominance at home.
Suresh Raina highlights India’s key players ahead of the Test series
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has pinpointed several standout performers for India ahead of the South Africa Tests, emphasizing the impact of specific players on Indian soil. Raina specifically lauded Jasprit Bumrah for his ability to exploit the starting time of the matches (8:30 AM), predicting unique reverse swing challenges for South African batters due to the red ball’s behavior in those conditions. He also expressed high expectations for Kuldeep Yadav‘s spin bowling, complementing India’s traditional strength in spin-friendly home conditions.
Raina’s most significant highlight was on the aggressive batting style of Rishabh Pant. Given both grounds are relatively small, Pant’s explosive and unconventional approach is expected to yield quick runs and put considerable pressure on the opposition. Raina suggested Pant could be a defining factor in the series.
“India’s standout player for me is Jasprit Bumrah because of the unique reverse swing we will see when matches start at 8:30. The red ball will behave differently, and spin from Kuldeep Yadav will also be important. But the biggest expectation is from Rishabh Pant with his different batting style that will generate quick runs, especially since both grounds are small, giving Pant a significant advantage,” said Raina on Star Sports show.
Abhishek Nayar’s view on picking key performers
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also shared his opinions on India’s key players to watch in the upcoming series. For Nayar, two players epitomize India’s potential success in the Test format: Shubman Gill and Pant. Nayar praised Gill’s calmness and leadership, highlighting his role as the Test captain and a technically sound batsman who anchors the innings. Pant, with his aggressive batting, complements Gill’s style, making them a formidable duo.
“Two players stand out for me in Test cricket: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant,” said Nayar, reflecting on their roles in shaping the Indian batting order and their likely impact against a strong South African bowling attack.
Nayar’s views align with the broader sentiment around India’s squad, which has been noted for its blend of resilience, youth, and explosive ability. The team strategy seems focused on a balanced approach: solid opening partnerships followed by aggressive middle-order batting.
