India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 begins on November 14 — and cricket fans across the globe are already counting down. Two Tests, two iconic venues, and a clash of titans. Rishabh Pant returns with fire in his eyes, Jasprit Bumrah sharpens his yorkers, and Temba Bavuma leads a Proteas side hungry to end a 28-year drought in India.
This is more than a series. It’s a battle for World Test Championship (WTC) points, pride, and legacy. India haven’t lost a home Test series since 2012. South Africa haven’t won one here since 1996. Something has to give.
From Eden Gardens’ roaring 66,000 to Guwahati’s historic debut, every ball will matter. This ultimate guide covers everything: full schedule, pitch reports, player battles, live streaming, ticket booking, weather, stats, records, and bold predictions.
Let’s dive in.
Full Schedule & Match Timings
The India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 features two five-day Tests with no rest days in between. Here’s the complete timetable:
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) | Start Time (GMT) | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 14–18, 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 9:30 AM | 4:00 AM | 9:30–11:30 AM → Lunch → 12:10–2:10 PM → Tea → 2:30–4:30 PM |
| 2nd Test | Nov 22–26, 2025 | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 9:00 AM | 3:30 AM | 9:00–11:00 AM → Lunch → 11:40 AM–1:40 PM → Tea → 2:00–4:00 PM |
Note: 90 overs minimum per day. Reserve day only if play is washed out completely on a day.
Umpires & Officials
- 1st Test: Nitin Menon (IND), Adrian Holdstock (SA) | TV: Chris Gaffaney (NZ) | Referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
- 2nd Test: Kumar Dharmasena (SL), Paul Reiffel (AUS) | TV: Ahsan Raza (PAK) | Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)
Eden Gardens: The Mecca of Indian Cricket
India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 No venue screams “Test cricket” louder than Eden Gardens. Built in 1864, it’s hosted 42 Tests — second only to Lord’s in history. Eden Gardens Test 2025 India have won 13, lost just 9, and drawn 20.
Key Stats at Eden Gardens
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Tests | 42 |
| India Wins | 13 |
| Visiting Team Wins | 9 (England 5, WI 3, AUS 1) |
| Highest Team Total | 657/7d (IND vs AUS, 2001) |
| Lowest Team Total | 62 (IND vs WI, 1958) |
| Avg. 1st Innings Score | 323 |
| Best Bowling | 8/107 – Subhash Gupte (IND vs WI, 1958) |
| Most Runs | VVS Laxman – 1,308 @81.75 |
| Most Wickets | Anil Kumble – 45 @22.11 |
Pitch Behavior: Day-by-Day
| Day | Pitch Character | Who Dominates? |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Flat, true bounce | Batsmen (300+ easy) |
| Day 2 | Dry, slight grip | Spinners start turning |
| Day 3 | Cracks appear | Reverse swing + sharp spin |
| Day 4–5 | Dust bowl | Spinners rule, low bounce |
Curator’s Quote: “We’re preparing a typical Kolkata red-soil pitch. Good carry early, turns from Day 3. No grass,” said Sujan Mukherjee, CAB grounds head.
Fan Experience at Eden
- Best Stands: B, C, L (near sightscreen, great view)
- Food: Eden Rolls, Fish Fry, Puchka (outside Gate 3)
- Transport: Metro (Esplanade → 10-min walk), Cab (₹200 from airport)
- Entry Gates: 1, 2, 4, 6 open from 7:30 AM
Pro Tip: Arrive by 7 AM for Day 1. Security lines peak at 8:30 AM.
Barsapara Stadium: Guwahati’s Big Debut
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati makes history as Assam’s first-ever Test venue. Opened in 2017, it’s hosted 2 ODIs and 7 T20Is — but never a red-ball game.
Past International Records (ODI + T20I)
| Format | Matches | Highest Score | Lowest Score | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 2 | 306/8 (SL vs IND) | 237/8 (IND vs SL) | 4/44 (Bhuvneshwar) |
| T20I | 7 | 237/3 (IND vs SA) | 118 (IND vs NZ) | 5/18 (Chahal) |
Expected Pitch for Test Debut
- Soil: Black cotton soil (like Kanpur, Nagpur)
- Bounce: Even, high carry early
- Turn: Sharp from Day 3, low bounce later
- Pace Help: New ball swings for 10–15 overs
- Avg. Projected 1st Innings: 340–360
Curator’s Insight: “We want a fair contest. Grass trimmed to 6mm. Spinners will come in after lunch on Day 2,” said ACA groundsman.
Fan Guide for Guwahati
- Capacity: 40,000
- Parking: 2,000 cars (₹100/day)
- Food: Assam Tea, Momos, Thukpa (stadium canteen)
- Weather: Cool mornings (19°C), pleasant days (28°C)
India Squad: Full List & Probable XI
India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 Shubman Gill leads a youthful, spin-heavy side. Rishabh Pant returns as vice-captain and keeper after a 15-month injury layoff.
Full India Squad
| Player | Role | Age | Tests | Key Stat (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (C) | Top-order Batter | 26 | 30 | 980 runs @65.33 |
| Rishabh Pant (VC, WK) | WK-Batter | 28 | 35 | 90 vs SA A (Oct 2025) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener | 23 | 15 | 1,200+ runs in 2025 |
| KL Rahul | Middle-order / WK | 33 | 52 | 857 runs @50.41 |
| Sai Sudharsan | Top-order | 24 | 3 | 150* vs WI (Oct 2025) |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Top-order | 25 | 2 | 65 vs ENG (Jul 2025) |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | WK-Batter | 24 | 4 | Kept in Pant’s absence |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Spin All-rounder | 36 | 74 | 280 wkts + 3,000 runs |
| Washington Sundar | Spin All-rounder | 26 | 8 | 6/50 vs ENG |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Pace All-rounder | 22 | 1 | Debutant |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Pace Leader | 31 | 42 | 41 wkts @39.34 SR |
| Mohammed Siraj | Pacer | 31 | 32 | 44 wkts @46.2 SR |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Wrist Spinner | 30 | 14 | 55 wkts @22.10 |
| Akash Deep | Pacer | 28 | 3 | 9 wkts vs ENG |
| Axar Patel | Spin All-rounder | 31 | 15 | 55 wkts @20.50 |
Probable XI (1st Test – Kolkata)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill (C)
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Rishabh Pant (WK, VC)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
Bench: Padikkal, Jurel, Washington, Akash Deep 2nd Test Change: Akash Deep may replace Kuldeep if pitch offers bounce.
South Africa Squad: Full List & Probable XI
India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 Temba Bavuma is back from a calf injury. The Proteas bank on spin depth after their Pakistan heroics.
Full South Africa Squad
| Player | Role | Age | Tests | Key Stat (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma (C) | Middle-order | 35 | 58 | 606 runs @67.33 |
| Aiden Markram | Opener / Part-time Spinner | 31 | 42 | 450 runs vs PAK |
| Tony de Zorzi | Opener | 28 | 8 | 200+ runs in Asia |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-order | 22 | 1 | Debutant |
| Zubayr Hamza | Middle-order | 30 | 7 | 89* vs PAK |
| Ryan Rickelton (WK) | WK-Batter | 29 | 5 | 150 runs @50 |
| Tristan Stubbs | Middle-order | 25 | 6 | 200 runs @66 |
| Kyle Verreynne (WK) | Backup WK | 28 | 12 | 394 runs @43.77 |
| Wiaan Mulder | Pace All-rounder | 27 | 7 | 715 runs @89.38 |
| Marco Jansen | Pace All-rounder | 25 | 16 | 55 wkts @22 |
| Corbin Bosch | Pace All-rounder | 31 | 2 | 5 wkts vs PAK |
| Kagiso Rabada | Pace Leader | 30 | 68 | 32 wkts @46.09 SR |
| Keshav Maharaj | Left-arm Spinner | 35 | 54 | 35 wkts @45.62 SR |
| Simon Harmer | Off-spinner | 36 | 8 | 20 wkts vs PAK |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Spin All-rounder | 31 | 3 | 6 wkts vs PAK |
Probable XI (1st Test)
- Aiden Markram
- Tony de Zorzi
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Dewald Brevis
- Zubayr Hamza
- Ryan Rickelton (WK)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj
- Simon Harmer
Bench: Verreynne, Mulder, Bosch, Muthusamy Strategy: Play three spinners in Kolkata. Mulder may come in if pitch is green.
Players to Watch: 8 Stars Who’ll Shape the Series
India
| Player | Why Watch? | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | Explosive return after 15 months | 90 vs SA A (Oct 2025) |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Yorkers, reverse swing | 41 wkts @39.34 SR |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Fearless opener | 1,200+ runs in 2025 |
| Shubman Gill | Captain, classy timer | 980 runs @65.33 |
South Africa
| Player | Why Watch? | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | Fitness & leadership | 606 runs @67.33 |
| Kagiso Rabada | Raw pace | 32 wkts @46.09 SR |
| Keshav Maharaj | Arm-ball magic | 35 wkts @45.62 SR |
| Dewald Brevis | Fearless debutant | 180* in domestic |
Quote from Pant: “I’ve waited 15 months for this. Eden Gardens? I’m ready to roar.” – Post India A game
Pitch Report, Toss & Dew Factor
Eden Gardens Pitch Analysis
| Day | Expected Score | Wickets Fall To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 320–350 | Pace (new ball) |
| 2 | 280–300 | Spin starts |
| 3 | 220–250 | Sharp turn + reverse |
| 4–5 | <200 | Dust, low bounce |
Toss Impact: 55% win rate batting first. Eden Gardens Test 2025 Captains prefer to bat.
Barsapara Pitch (Projected)
| Day | Behavior |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Flat, high scoring |
| 3–5 | Turn + uneven bounce |
Dew Factor: Negligible in day Tests. Evening sessions may be slippery, but not decisive.
Weather Forecast: Kolkata & Guwahati
Kolkata (Nov 14–18)
| Date | High/Low | Rain Chance | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14 | 29°C / 21°C | 5% | 65% |
| Nov 15 | 28°C / 20°C | 0% | 60% |
| Nov 16–18 | 27–29°C | <5% | 62% |
Guwahati (Nov 22–26)
| Date | High/Low | Rain Chance | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22 | 28°C / 19°C | 0% | 70% |
| Nov 23–26 | 27–29°C | <3% | 68% |
Source: AccuWeather, IMD | No rain threat. Full 5 days expected.
Head-to-Head: Stats, Rivalries & Records
Overall IND vs SA in Tests
| Category | India | South Africa | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 16 | 18 | 10 |
| In India | 11 | 5 | 3 |
| In SA | 5 | 13 | 7 |
Last 5 Test Results
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Centurion | IND won by 7 wkts |
| Dec 2023 | Johannesburg | SA won by inns & 32 |
| Jan 2022 | Cape Town | SA won by 7 wkts |
| Jan 2022 | Johannesburg | SA won by 7 wkts |
| Dec 2021 | Centurion | IND won by 113 runs |
All-Time Records
| Record | Player | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Most Runs (IND) | Sachin Tendulkar | 1,176 |
| Most Wickets (SA) | Dale Steyn | 95 |
| Highest Partnership | Dravid & Laxman | 376 (2004) |
Live Streaming & TV Broadcast Guide
In India
| Platform | Channel/App | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| TV | Star Sports 1 HD/SD, Select 1 HD/SD | Cable pack |
| Streaming | JioHotstar | Free for Jio |
Hindi Commentary: Star Sports Hindi Multi-angle View: JioHotstar app
Global Broadcast
| Country | Channel |
|---|---|
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV |
| Australia | Fox Cricket |
Ticket Booking: Prices, Links & Pro Tips
Eden Gardens Tickets
| Stand | Price (Per Day) | Season Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | ₹60–₹150 | ₹300 |
| Mid-tier | ₹300–₹800 | ₹1,500 |
| Premium | ₹1,500–₹5,000 | ₹20,000 |
Booking: BookMyShow | Eden Gardens Test 2025 CAB Counters (Eden Gardens Gate 1)
Barsapara Tickets
| Stand | Price (Per Day) |
|---|---|
| General | ₹50–₹100 |
| Mid | ₹300–₹800 |
| VIP | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
Booking: ACA Website | BookMyShow
Pro Tips:
- Book early — Day 1 sells out in 2 hours
- Avoid black tickets (fines up to ₹10,000)
- Carry ID + printed ticket
- No re-entry
Quick Hits: India vs South Africa Test Series 2025
Q: When does the series start? A: November 14, 2025, at Eden Gardens.
Q: Where to watch live in India? A: JioHotstar (free for Jio) | Star Sports.
Q: Is Shami playing? A: No. Ignored despite 15 Ranji wickets.
Q: Will there be dew? A: Minimal. Day Tests reduce dew impact.
Q: Can I buy tickets at the gate? A: Limited. Book online to avoid risk.
Winning Prediction: Who Takes the Series?
Bold Call: India to Win 2–0
| Match | Predicted Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test (Kolkata) | India win | 150 runs |
| 2nd Test (Guwahati) | India win | 8 wickets |
Player of the Series: Jasprit Bumrah – 15+ wickets Top Run-scorer: Shubman Gill – 250+ runs Breakout Star: Nitish Kumar Reddy – All-round impact
India’s home record, spin depth, and Pant’s X-factor give them the edge. South Africa will fight, but not enough.
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Let the battle begin. #INDvSA #TestCricket #PantIsBack
FAQs: India vs South Africa Test Series 2025
1. When does India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 start and end?
The India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 starts on November 14, 2025, with the 1st Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and ends on November 26, 2025, after the 2nd Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The series features two five-day Tests with no rest days in between.
2. Where to watch India vs South Africa Test series 2025 live in India?
Watch IND vs SA 2025 live on Star Sports 1 HD/SD and Star Sports Select 1 HD/SD. Stream free on JioHotstar (Jio users) or subscribe for ₹299/month. Hindi commentary is available on Star Sports Hindi.
3. Is Rishabh Pant playing in India vs South Africa Test Series 2025?
Yes! Rishabh Pant returns after a 15-month injury layoff. He’s named vice-captain and will keep wickets, batting at No. 5. Pant scored a fiery 90 for India A against South Africa A in October 2025.
4. What is the ticket price for Eden Gardens Test 2025?
Eden Gardens ticket prices range from ₹60 (economy) to ₹5,000 (premium) per day. Season passes cost ₹300 to ₹20,000. Book via BookMyShow or CAB counters. Day 1 sells out fastest.
5. Will the Guwahati Test 2025 be affected by rain or dew?
No. Guwahati weather (Nov 22–26) is clear with 0–3% rain chance and 68–70% humidity. Dew is minimal in day Tests. Full five days of play expected at Barsapara Stadium.
6. Who is the captain of India in IND vs SA Test Series 2025?
Shubman Gill leads India for the first time in a home Test series. Rishabh Pant is vice-captain. Regular captain Rohit Sharma and senior player Virat Kohli are not part of the squad.
7. What is the pitch report for Eden Gardens in India vs South Africa 2025?
Eden Gardens pitch is red soil, flat on Day 1 (300+ easy), with turn from Day 3. Spinners dominate by Day 4–5. Average 1st innings score: 323. Eden Gardens Test 2025 Curator promises no grass, good bounce early.
8. How many Tests has India won at home since 2012?
India have won 15 out of 16 home Test series since 2012. Their only series loss was to England (2012). The IND vs SA 2025 series is part of India’s unbeaten home streak.
9. Who are the key players to watch in India vs South Africa Test Series 2025?
India: Jasprit Bumrah (41 wkts in 2025), Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal South Africa: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj (35 wkts), Temba Bavuma, Dewald Brevis (debutant)
10. What is the head-to-head record between India and South Africa in Test cricket?
In 44 Tests, South Africa lead 18–16, with 10 draws. In India, India dominate 11–5. Last 5 results: India 2, South Africa 3. India aim to extend home dominance.
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