Hey there, fellow cricket lovers! If you’re anything like us at IPL Star, your heart races at the thought of red-ball magic under Kolkata’s lights. The IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 isn’t just another game – it’s a blockbuster clash where India’s home fortress meets South Africa’s bold spin revival. Starting November 14, this Eden Gardens showdown promises drama, with Rishabh Pant’s explosive return and the Proteas’ sweep shots ready to rewrite history. Will the World Test Champs conquer Kolkata’s black-soil beast? We’ve got the full scoop, packed with stats in easy tables, insider insights from recent training buzz, and simple breakdowns to keep you hooked. Grab your chai – let’s dive in!
Why IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 Feels Like a WTC Final Warm-Up
Cricket fans, picture this: Eden Gardens, that roaring coliseum with 66,000 souls chanting, hasn’t hosted a Test in six long years. Now, on November 14, 2025, it roars back for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 – the opener of a two-match series that could swing the World Test Championship points table. India, under young gun Shubman Gill, chases a top-two finish after their gritty 2-2 draw with England and a 2-0 sweep over West Indies. South Africa? Fresh off their maiden WTC title in June 2025, they’re hungry to end a 15-year Asia series drought.
This isn’t hype – it’s heritage. The Gandhi-Mandela Trophy toss coin gleams with history, symbolizing ties between two nations that birthed legends like Sachin and Kallis. Weather? Clear skies, 28-30°C days, minimal dew – perfect for a five-day thriller. But the real spark? South Africa’s spin troika versus India’s pace-spin hybrid on a pitch that’s got everyone talking. Sourav Ganguly, CAB president, insists it’s “sporting,” no rank turner requested. Yet, whispers from training nets say Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir aren’t thrilled with the dry, brown strip.
As we gear up for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, expect edges-of-seats moments. India’s unbeaten home streak (16 Tests since 2017) faces SA’s 11-1 rampage in their last 12 outings. Who’s your pick? Share in the comments – we read every one!
IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 Squads: Who’s In, Who’s Out – Full Breakdown
Squad announcements dropped like fireworks, and oh boy, the drama! India welcomes back Rishabh Pant as vice-captain after his foot fracture in England’s fourth Test (July 2025). He smashed 90 for India A against SA A last week – vintage Pant, folks. But Mohammed Shami? Snubbed despite 15 Ranji wickets at 15.53 average. Gautam Gambhir’s call, prioritizing youth like Dhruv Jurel, who’s confirmed to play per assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
South Africa? Temba Bavuma’s back from calf strain, leading a spin-heavy pack that leveled Pakistan 1-1 in October. No David Bedingham, but the troika of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy stays.
Here’s the full squads in simple tables – no fluff, just facts for quick scans.
India Test Squad for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
| Player | Role | Key Recent Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (c) | Top-order Batter | 980 runs in 9 inns, 65.33 avg |
| Rishabh Pant (vc)†| Wicketkeeper-Batter | 90 in India A vs SA A (Nov 2025) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opening Batter | 150* vs WI, 2nd Test (Oct 2025) |
| KL Rahul†| Wicketkeeper-Batter | 857 runs in 10 inns, 50.41 avg |
| Sai Sudharsan | Top-order Batter | Solid nets at Eden (Nov 11) |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Top-order Batter | Backup opener, recent form up |
| Dhruv Jurel†| Wicketkeeper-Batter | 3 centuries in 8 FC inns |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Allrounder | 34 wkts home @ 2.5 econ |
| Washington Sundar | Bowling Allrounder | Utility spin, WI series hero |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | 41 wkts in 8, 2.93 econ |
| Axar Patel | Allrounder | Stump-line specialist |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Batting Allrounder | Likely sits out, per coach |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | 44 wkts in 10, 3.9 econ |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | 68 wkts in 15 Tests |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | Replaces injured Prasidh |
Source: BCCI announcement, Nov 10, 2025. BCCI Squad
Likely India XI for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
| Position | Player | Why Picked? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Explosive opener, WI tons |
| 2 | KL Rahul | Steady, keeps if Pant bats 5 |
| 3 | Shubman Gill (c) | Captain’s knock needed |
| 4 | Sai Sudharsan | Form in domestics |
| 5 | Rishabh Pant†| Aggression post-injury |
| 6 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-round balance |
| 7 | Dhruv Jurel†| Confirmed by coach, WK duties |
| 8 | Washington Sundar | Spin variety |
| 9 | Jasprit Bumrah | Pace spearhead |
| 10 | Mohammed Siraj | Reverse swing threat |
| 11 | Kuldeep Yadav | Wrist-spin surprise |
Jurel’s inclusion means Pant focuses on batting – smart move on a bouncy start.
South Africa Test Squad for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
| Player | Role | Key Recent Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma (c) | Middle-order Batter | 606 runs in 5, 67.33 avg |
| Aiden Markram | Middle-order Batter | 8.5% sweep vs spin (2024-25) |
| Tony de Zorzi | Top-order Batter | 59.50 avg vs spin sweeps |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter | Young gun, Pakistan series |
| Zubayr Hamza | Batter | Batting depth |
| Ryan Rickelton | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 7.5% sweep rate |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter | Power hitter |
| Kyle Verreynne†| Wicketkeeper-Batter | 24.1% sweep, 20.66 avg vs spin |
| Wiaan Mulder | Allrounder | 715 runs in 7, 89.38 avg |
| Corbin Bosch | Allrounder | Pace support |
| Marco Jansen | Bowling Allrounder | 4/42 vs ZIM |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | 32 wkts in 8, 3.33 econ |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler | 35 wkts in 7, 2.96 econ |
| Simon Harmer | Bowler | Pakistan heroics |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Batting Allrounder | 16% sweep rate |
Source: Cricket South Africa, Nov 9, 2025. CSA Squad
Likely South Africa XI
| Position | Player | Why Picked? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tony de Zorzi | Solid opener vs spin |
| 2 | Aiden Markram | Sweep master |
| 3 | Temba Bavuma (c) | Captain’s grit |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Aggressive middle |
| 5 | Zubayr Hamza | Stability |
| 6 | Kyle Verreynne†| WK, sweep king |
| 7 | Wiaan Mulder | All-round bite |
| 8 | Marco Jansen | Pace all-rounder |
| 9 | Keshav Maharaj | Left-arm spin |
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | Strike bowler |
| 11 | Simon Harmer | Off-spin control |
Check our India vs South Africa Test Series 2025: Ultimate 2-Test Preview!
These squads scream balance – India’s depth versus SA’s fightback spirit.
Eden Gardens Pitch Report 2025: Black Soil Secrets for IND vs RSA 1st Test
Ah, the pitch – cricket’s silent star! For IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, Eden Gardens’ black-soil beauty is dry, brown, with just 2mm grass cover. Curator Sujan Mukherjee chatted with Gambhir: “Something for everyone – bounce early, spin later.” No docile Delhi track here; expect roughening for reverse swing by Day 3.
Ganguly echoes: “Sporting wicket, plays well.” But training inspections? Gill and Morne Morkel poked the firmness – it’s got cracks waiting to widen. First Test in six years means fresh unknowns, but history guides us.
Eden Gardens Test Stats Table (Last 10 Matches)
| Year | Opponent | Result | 1st Inns Avg Score | Wkts by Spin % | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | BAN | IND W by 117r | 350 | 62% | Ashwin 7/59 |
| 2019 | AFG | IND W by inn. | 300 | 55% | Jadeja all-round hero |
| 2017 | SL | IND W by inn. | 280 | 70% | Rank turner Day 4 |
| 2016 | ENG | IND W by 4 wkts | 320 | 48% | Root 159, but spin won |
| 2015 | WI | D | 340 | 52% | Rain saved WI |
| 2013 | AUS | IND W by 6 wkts | 400 | 45% | Clarke 224*, IND chase |
| 2013 | ENG | IND W by inn. | 290 | 65% | Swann 8/171 |
| 2010 | NZ | IND W by 10 wkts | 310 | 58% | Zaheer swing master |
| 2001 | AUS | IND W by 171r | 445 | 40% | Laxman 281 epic |
| 1996 | AUS | IND W by 10 wkts | 260 | 75% | Kumble 6/33 |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. Eden Gardens Records
Day 1: Batsmen feast (avg 320), seamers nip. Day 3: Spinners strike (55% wkts post-tea). Reverse swing? Big yes, per ESPN – Bumrah and Rabada will feast if it grips.
For IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, toss matters less; bat first if you win, but SA’s sweeps could neutralize early turn. Image alt: “Eden Gardens pitch report 2025 for IND vs RSA 1st Test dry black soil.”
What do you think – turner or thriller? Drop your take below!
Recent Form Guide: India’s Home Fire vs SA’s Global Storm in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Form is king, and for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, India’s home roar (unbeaten since 2017) clashes with SA’s away awakening. India: L-D-W-W-W last five, but that 6-run thriller vs England (July 31) showed steel. SA: W-W-W-L-W, including WTC Final win by 5 wkts.
India’s Last 5 Tests Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Performer | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | WI (2nd) | W by 7 wkts | Jaiswal 150* | Chase on Day 4 |
| Oct 2, 2025 | WI (1st) | W by inn & 140r | Bumrah 6/45 | Innings win |
| Jul 31, 2025 | ENG (5th) | W by 6 runs | Gill 91 | Nail-biter |
| Jul 23, 2025 | ENG (4th) | D | Pant injured (90) | Rain-hit |
| Jul 10, 2025 | ENG (3rd) | L by 22 runs | Root 142 | ENG edge |
Home avg: 38.5 runs/wkt. Source: ICC Rankings.
South Africa’s Last 5 Tests Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Performer | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | PAK (2nd) | W by 8 wkts | Maharaj 5/58 | Chase 200+ |
| Oct 12, 2025 | PAK (1st) | L by 93 runs | Babar 112 | Spin trap |
| Jul 6, 2025 | ZIM (2nd) | W by inn & 236r | Rabada 7/81 | Domination |
| Jun 28, 2025 | ZIM (1st) | W by 328 runs | Jansen 4/42 | Clean sweep |
| Jun 11, 2025 | AUS (WTC Final) | W by 5 wkts | Bavuma 65* | Title glory |
Away in Asia: 3-1 since 2024. Source: Cricbuzz. WTC Final Highlights
India’s spin (Jadeja 34 home wkts) meets SA’s improved avg vs turn (34.19). Recent nets? Bumrah yorked stumps, SA practiced aggressive sweeps.
Head-to-Head Stats: SA’s Edge Away, But India Rules Home in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Rivalry alert! Overall, SA leads series 8-5 (4 draws), but in India? India 5-1-1. Last SA win here: Nagpur 2010. For IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, Eden’s IND unbeaten in last 3 vs SA (W-W-D).
Last 5 IND vs RSA Tests Table
| Date | Result | Venue | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2024 | IND W by 7 wkts | Cape Town | Bumrah 6/61 hat-trick |
| Dec 26, 2023 | SA W by inn & 32r | Centurion | Jansen 6/66 |
| Jan 11, 2022 | SA W by 7 wkts | Johannesburg | De Kock 129* |
| Jan 3, 2022 | SA W by 7 wkts | Wanderers | Rabada 5/52 |
| Dec 26, 2021 | IND W by 113r | Centurion | Ashwin 7/66 |
Source: Howstat. Full H2H
India avg vs SA pace: 32.4 home. SA vs Indian spin: Historically 17.55 (2015-21), now 34.19. Eden specific: Spinners 55% wkts.
This history fuels fire – SA’s last Asia series win? 2014. Time to change?
Rishabh Pant Return Test 2025: From Injury Heartbreak to Eden Hero?
Pant’s story tugs heartstrings. Fractured foot in Manchester (July 2025), reverse-sweeping Woakes – he batted on, but missed Oval and WI series. Now, for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, he’s VC, likely No.5. India A captaincy? 90 in second inns vs SA A, three-wkt win. “Feels like home,” he tweeted.
Ten Doeschate: “Jurel plays, Pant bats free.” Pant’s Test stats? 1,439 runs, 35.77 avg, 3 tons – chaos creator.
Pant’s Test Career Highlights Table
| Year | Matches | Runs | Avg | Centuries | Memorable Knock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 13 | 641 | 36.6 | 1 | 114* vs AUS, chase hero |
| 2020-21 | 7 | 329 | 32.9 | 1 | 91 vs SL, Gabba 89* |
| 2022-23 | 10 | 413 | 41.3 | 1 | 125 vs ENG, Lord’s |
| 2024-25 | 2 | 56 | 28.0 | 0 | Injury-cut series |
| Career | 32 | 1,439 | 35.77 | 3 | SR 78+, aggressor supreme |
Source: ESPNcricinfo. Pant Injury Timeline
Fans, Pant at Eden? Expect helicopter shots. Image alt: “Rishabh Pant return test 2025 nets Eden Gardens.”
His fire could tilt this – thoughts?
5 Must-Watch Batters: Gill’s Grit to Verreynne’s Sweeps in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Batters decide Tests, and for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, these five could steal shows. Shubman Gill (980r, 65.33 avg) needs a captain’s hundred post-ENG chat with batting coach. KL Rahul (857r, 50.41) anchors. For SA, Wiaan Mulder (715r, 89.38) all-rounds, Temba Bavuma (606r, 67.33) grinds, Kyle Verreynne sweeps 24.1% vs spin.
Top Batters Recent Stats Table
| Batter | Team | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | Sweep % vs Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | IND | 9 | 980 | 65.33 | 63.51 | N/A |
| KL Rahul | IND | 10 | 857 | 50.41 | 51.87 | Low |
| Wiaan Mulder | SA | 7 | 715 | 89.38 | 76.38 | 8.0 |
| Temba Bavuma | SA | 5 | 606 | 67.33 | 54.15 | 5.2 |
| Kyle Verreynne | SA | 8 | 320 | 40.0 | 65.0 | 24.1 |
Source: Cricbuzz. Bavuma Form
Gill vs Bavuma captaincy duel? Epic. Short para: These guys turn games.
4 Deadly Bowlers: Bumrah’s Yorkers vs Rabada’s Fire in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Bowlers win wars. Jasprit Bumrah (41 wkts, 2.93 econ) – unplayable. Mohammed Siraj (44 wkts, 3.9 econ) reverses. SA’s Keshav Maharaj (35 wkts, 2.96) guiles, Kagiso Rabada (32 wkts, 3.33) bounces.
Top Bowlers Recent Stats Table
| Bowler | Team | Matches | Wkts | Econ | SR | Home/Away Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | IND | 8 | 41 | 2.93 | 39.34 | Reverse king |
| Mohammed Siraj | IND | 10 | 44 | 3.9 | 46.2 | 5/73 vs ENG |
| Keshav Maharaj | SA | 7 | 35 | 2.96 | 45.62 | 5/58 Pakistan |
| Kagiso Rabada | SA | 8 | 32 | 3.33 | 46.09 | 7/81 vs ZIM |
Source: ICC. Bumrah Stats
Bumrah vs Rabada: Pace metrics scream fireworks. Nets showed Rabada clocking 145kph.
South Africa Sweep Shot Strategy: Revolutionizing Asia Tours for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Here’s the game-changer: South Africa’s sweep revival. From 2015-21: 17.55 avg vs spin, 41 balls/dis. Now? 34.19 avg, 59 balls/dis in Asia. Sweeps up 4.3% to 10.6% on good lengths, false shots down to 14.1%.
Why? Interception zones – danger (2-3m post-pitch) drops from 23.1% to 16.4%. Reverse sweeps: 44% of total. Verreynne leads at 24.1%, de Zorzi 14.5%.
But India? Quicker spinners (Jadeja 91kph) attack stumps – sweeps risk LBW. Eden’s true bounce early? Risky. Conrad: “Character from Pakistan.” Data from Rawalpindi: Out-batted on turner.
SA vs Spin Evolution Table (Series Avg)
| Series | Matches | Wkts Lost | Avg | SR | Balls/Dis | False % | Sweep % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India 2015/16 | 4 | 61 | 11.91 | 34.16 | 34.8 | 20.0 | 4.3 |
| SL 2018 | 2 | 37 | 14.94 | 46.23 | 32.3 | 23.8 | Low |
| India 2019/20 | 3 | 32 | 27.06 | 45.08 | 60.0 | 17.0 | 5.0 |
| Pak 2020/21 | 2 | 16 | 26.06 | 40.48 | 64.3 | 10.0 | 6.2 |
| Ban 2024/25 | 2 | 15 | 48.26 | 65.57 | 73.6 | 12.8 | 9.5 |
| Pak 2025/26 | 2 | 27 | 26.37 | 51.81 | 50.8 | 15.2 | 10.6 |
Source: Hitting Against the Spin (Leamon/Jones). Spin Stats Deep Dive
Sweeps force bowlers shorter – SA exploits back foot (48.10 avg). But vs Jadeja’s arm-ball? Test time. Image alt: “South Africa sweep shot strategy IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 diagram.”
This tactic turned Pakistan – can it crack Eden?
Shubman Gill Captaincy Debut: Pressure, Promise, and Pitch Chats in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Gill’s first home series as skipper – big shoes from Rohit/Kohli. Recent? Long chat with batting coach amid poor form, per reports. Toss win %: 60% in ENG series. Gambhir backs: “Data vs intuition.”
Gill inspected Eden with Morkel – firm? Yes, but dry patches worry. His 91 vs ENG fifth? Clutch. Vs SA: 91 & 52 in 2024.
Gill’s Captaincy Stats Table (Since 2024)
| Series | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Toss Wins | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs ENG 2025 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3/5 | Declared early, win |
| vs WI 2025 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2/2 | Spin-heavy XI |
| Overall | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 5/7 | Youth picks shine |
Source: BCCI.
Debut nerves? Nah – Gill’s poise shines.
Key Battles: 7 Fireworks Waiting in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Clashes define Tests. Here are seven for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025.
- Jaiswal vs Rabada: Opener’s flair vs bounce king. Jaiswal’s 150* WI; Rabada’s 145kph.
- Gill vs Maharaj: Captain vs left-arm guile. Gill’s off-stump play tested.
- Pant vs Jansen: Chaos vs height. Pant’s sweeps vs 6’8″ bounce.
- Jadeja vs Markram: Arm-ball vs sweep pioneer (8.5% rate).
- Bumrah vs Bavuma: Yorker vs grit. Bavuma’s 172* WTC.
- Siraj vs de Zorzi: Reverse vs opener. Siraj’s aggression.
- Kuldeep vs Verreynne: Wrist-spin vs sweep lord (24.1%).
Battle Preview Table
| Battle | Key Stat IND | Key Stat SA | Edge To? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaiswal vs Rabada | 52.3 SR vs pace | 32 wkts @ 3.33 | SA |
| Gill vs Maharaj | 65.33 recent avg | 2.96 econ Asia | IND |
| Pant vs Jansen | 78 SR career | 4/42 vs ZIM | IND |
| Jadeja vs Markram | 34 home wkts | 8.5% sweep | Draw |
| Bumrah vs Bavuma | 2.93 econ | 67.33 avg | IND |
| Siraj vs de Zorzi | 44 wkts recent | 59.50 vs spin | IND |
| Kuldeep vs Verreynne | 68 wkts Tests | 24.1% sweep | SA |
These could swing it – which one’s your fave?
Eden Gardens Day-Night Debate: Lights, Dew, and Legacy for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
It’s day Test, but Eden’s floodlights add theater. Pink-ball history? 2021 vs ENG: IND chased 192 under lights, dew minimal. For IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, no dew forecast – fair fight.
Legacy: 2001 Laxman 281 vs AUS, Day 4 turn. 2019 Ashwin vs BAN. Black soil quickens outfield – 400+ scores possible early.
Eden Pink-Ball Tests Table (If Applicable)
| Year | Opponent | Result | Day 4 Wkts Spin % | Dew Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ENG | IND W | 60% | Low |
| 2019 | BAN | IND W | 65% | None |
Source: CAB Records. Even day game, lights amp drama.
The Pace Duel: Bumrah vs Rabada Metrics in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Pace off! Bumrah’s 141kph yorkers, seam movement (avg 1.2m deviation). Rabada’s bounce (extra 20cm). Eden’s 5-7m carry suits both.
Nets: Bumrah left no stumps standing; Rabada hit 145kph.
Pace Metrics Table
| Bowler | Avg Speed | Bounce (cm) | Reverse Wkts % | Eden Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumrah | 141 kph | 18 | 25% | 15 wkts |
| Rabada | 143 kph | 22 | 20% | 10 wkts |
Edge: Bumrah’s economy. Pace Analysis.
SA Spin Renaissance Timeline: From 2015 Drought to 2025 Hope in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
SA’s spin story? Epic turnaround. 2015 India: 0-3, 11.91 avg vs spin. 2018 SL: 0-2. Drought till 2024 Bangladesh 2-0 win.
Conrad’s coaching: Sweeps drilled. 2025 Pakistan: Leveled despite lost tosses.
Timeline Table
| Year | Series | Result | Avg vs Spin | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | India | 0-3 | 11.91 | Poor sweeps |
| 2018 | SL | 0-2 | 14.94 | Turners exposed |
| 2019 | India | 0-3 | 27.06 | Better, but lost |
| 2024 | Ban | 2-0 | 48.26 | Sweeps introduced |
| 2025 | Pak | 1-1 | 26.37 | Troika 27 wkts |
Now, vs India’s 90kph attack – stern test.
Tactical Deep Dive: Toss, Declarations, and Reverse Swing Plays for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Tactics win. Toss: Bat first (70% IND home wins). Gill’s aggressive? Like ENG fifth declare. SA: Conrad keeps Pakistan core for fight.
Reverse: Eden roughens quick – Siraj/Bosch key.
Short para: Smart calls decide.
Weather and Venue Vibes: Kolkata’s Roar for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Nov 14-18: Sunny, 28°C, 60% humidity. No rain – full quota. Eden’s ends: High Court (windy), Pavilion (batsman-friendly).
Security high post-Red Fort blast – but vibes electric. CAB’s Gandhi-Mandela coin? Symbolic power.
Prediction Time: India Edges 1-0, But SA’s Fight Stuns in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
India favorites (70% home win). Prediction: IND win by 6 wkts. 1st inns: IND 350, SA 280. Bumrah POTM (8 wkts). But SA’s sweeps force Day 5 chase.
Scorecard forecast table:
| Innings | Predicted Score | Key Wicket-Taker |
|---|---|---|
| IND 1st | 340-360 | Rabada 4 |
| SA 1st | 270-290 | Jadeja 5 |
| IND 2nd | 200/3 (chase) | Maharaj 2 |
| SA 2nd | 250 all out | Bumrah 4 |
Bold call: Pant’s 80* seals it. What’s yours? Comment!
IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025: Quick Hits for Fans
- When is IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025? November 14-18, 9:30 AM IST start.
- Eden Gardens pitch report 2025? Black soil, early bounce, later spin – sporting per Ganguly.
- Rishabh Pant return test 2025 details? Yes, VC, bats 5, post-foot injury 90 for India A.
- South Africa sweep shot strategy impact? Boosted avg to 34.19 vs spin – key vs Jadeja.
- Shubman Gill captaincy debut highlights? First home series, 60% toss wins recently.
- Jasprit Bumrah vs Kagiso Rabada stats? Bumrah 2.93 econ, Rabada 3.33 – pace duel.
- India squad changes for series? Pant in, Shami out, Jurel confirmed.
- SA recent form vs India? 3-2 last 5, but 1-5 in India since 2010.
- Live streaming IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025? Star Sports, Hotstar app.
- Who wins IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025? India by 6 wkts – our bold pick!
Deeper Dive: How Training Nets Shaped IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 XIs
November 11 nets were gold. India: Gill long session, Jaiswal/Sudharsan sweated spins. Bumrah yorked everything. SA: Full squad charged, Bavuma led spin drills – aggressive vs throwdowns.
Per Outlook: Gill, Jadeja, Jaiswal focused firmness. SA sharpened sweeps – Harmer bowled loopy to Verreynne’s ramps.
This prep? Tells tales. Jurel’s glovework crisp – ready for bounce.
Historical Echoes: Eden’s Greatest Tests and Lessons for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Eden’s lore? 2001 vs AUS: Laxman-Dravid 376 partnership flipped 0-1 to 2-1. 2013 vs ENG: 4-0 whitewash start.
Lessons: Patience pays on Day 3 turn. For IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025, SA’s 2010 Nagpur win (Morne 3/23) reminds – pace reverses.
Iconic Eden Moments Table
| Year | Match | Hero Moment | Impact on Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | vs AUS | Laxman 281 | Series turnaround |
| 2013 | vs ENG | Root 177, but IND spin | 4-0 whitewash |
| 2019 | vs BAN | Ashwin run-out magic | Inn win |
Timeless.
WTC Points Stakes: Why IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 Matters Big
India (2nd, 52 pts) needs 20 from two wins for final push. SA (1st, 68 pts) aims defense. Loss? Drops to 3rd.
Table snippet:
| Team | Points | PCT % |
|---|---|---|
| SA | 68 | 69 |
| IND | 52 | 58 |
| AUS | 50 | 56 |
High stakes! WTC Standings.
Fan Zone: Security Buzz and Kolkata Fever for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025
Post-Red Fort blast, Eden on high alert – but passion undimmed. Tickets sold out, streets buzz with dhaak drums. BCCI’s behind-scenes vid: “Back in whites” – 1M views.
Kolkata’s love? Unmatched. Share your match-day ritual!
Wrap-Up: Gear Up for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 Glory
From Pant’s roar to SA’s sweeps, this Eden epic awaits. India to nick it, but expect twists. Follow IPL Star for live updates – like, share, comment your XI!
FAQs: IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 Preview – Eden Gardens
1. When is the IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 starting? The IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 begins November 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM IST (4:00 AM GMT) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It’s a day game, running until November 18. Full schedule
2. Is Rishabh Pant playing in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025? Yes, Pant returns as vice-captain after a foot fracture in July 2025. He scored 90 for India A vs SA A and will bat at No. 5. Dhruv Jurel handles keeping. Pant’s comeback
3. What is the Eden Gardens pitch report 2025 for the Test? Black-soil pitch with 2mm grass offers early bounce for pacers (Day 1), then spin from Day 3. Historical 1st inns avg: 320. Curator promises a sporting track – no rank turner. Pitch breakdown
4. How has South Africa’s sweep shot strategy evolved? SA’s batting avg vs spin rose from 17.55 (2015–21) to 34.19 (2024–25). Sweeps increased to 10.6% of good-length balls, reducing danger-zone interceptions to 16.4%. Sweep revolution
5. Who are the captains for IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025? Shubman Gill leads India in his first home series as captain. Temba Bavuma returns for South Africa after a calf injury, guiding their WTC title defense. Squads
6. What is the head-to-head record in IND vs RSA Tests? Last 5: SA leads 3-2. In India: IND 5-1-1. Eden Gardens: India unbeaten vs SA in last 3 (W-W-D). Overall in India: IND 8, SA 5, Draw 1. H2H stats
7. Why was Mohammed Shami not selected? Despite 15 Ranji wickets @ 15.53, Shami was ignored. Selectors prioritized Akash Deep and youth. Pace attack: Bumrah, Siraj, Akash. India squad
8. Who are the key bowlers to watch in IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025?
- Jasprit Bumrah (41 wkts @ 2.93 econ)
- Kagiso Rabada (32 wkts @ 3.33)
- Keshav Maharaj (35 wkts @ 2.96)
- Mohammed Siraj (44 wkts @ 3.9) Bowlers deep dive
9. What is Shubman Gill’s captaincy record so far? In 7 Tests (2025): 4 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws. Toss win rate: 71% (5/7). Key call: Early declaration vs England led to a 6-run win. Gill’s leadership
10. Who will win IND vs RSA 1st Test 2025 at Eden Gardens? India are favorites (70% home win rate). Predicted result: IND win by 6 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah likely Player of the Match (8 wkts, sub-3 econ). Prediction
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