“India vs South Africa Test Series 2025: Crucial WTC Clash Announced” India looks confident
India vs South Africa: The much-anticipated two-match Test series kicks off on November 14, 2025, marking a critical encounter in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Both nations enter this contest with contrasting motivations and championship aspirations.
India vs South Africa, Complete Match Schedule and Venues
First Test Match
- Date: November 14-18, 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Match Start Time: 9:30 AM IST
- Live Coverage Begins: 8:30 AM IST
Second Test Match
- Date: November 22-26, 2025
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Match Start Time: 9:00 AM IST
The iconic Eden Gardens will host the series opener, providing India with the advantage of playing at one of cricket’s most historic venues. The second Test moves to Guwahati, offering a fresh challenge for both teams at the relatively newer international venue.
Team Squads and Key Players
India’s Test Squad
Captain Shubman Gill leads a well-balanced squad featuring:
Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal
Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain), Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
India has made strategic changes from their recent West Indies series, bringing back vice-captain Rishabh Pant while including pacer Akash Deep in place of Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa’s Test Squad
Temba Bavuma returns as captain after missing the Pakistan series due to a calf strain. The Proteas have included:
Batsmen: Aiden Markram, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs
Wicket-keepers: Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer
The defending WTC champions have named a spin-heavy attack led by Keshav Maharaj, anticipating challenging conditions on Indian pitches.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details of India vs South Africa
Television Coverage
Star Sports Network holds exclusive broadcast rights for the series across India, offering comprehensive coverage in multiple languages.
Digital Streaming
- Platforms: JioHotstar app and Disney+ Hotstar
- Subscription: Required for uninterrupted streaming
- Features: High-quality streaming with multiple camera angles and expert commentary
World Test Championship Implications
This series carries significant weight in the WTC 2025-27 standings. India currently occupies third position with a points percentage of 61.90, having drawn their England series 2-2 before securing a clean sweep against the West Indies.
South Africa, the defending WTC champions, hold the fifth spot with a 50.0 win percentage after their drawn series against Pakistan. The outcome of these two Tests could substantially impact both teams’ qualification chances for the WTC final.
Head-to-Head Record
The India-South Africa Test rivalry has produced memorable contests over the years. Historically, South Africa edges India with 18 Test victories compared to India’s 16, demonstrating the competitive nature of this matchup.
However, India’s formidable home record presents a significant challenge for the visitors. The hosts are renowned for their dominance on familiar soil, making South Africa’s task particularly demanding.
What’s Next After Tests?
The Test series is just the beginning of an extensive tour. Following the red-ball contests:
- Three ODIs: November 30 – December 6
- Five T20Is: December 9 – December 19
This comprehensive tour across all formats promises cricket fans two months of high-quality international action. The young team is positive and confident after a spectacular win against Australia in T20s
Key Storylines to Watch
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut
This series marks Gill’s continued leadership in Test cricket, offering the young captain another opportunity to prove his credentials against quality opposition.
Bavuma’s Comeback
Temba Bavuma returns to lead South Africa after injury, and his performance will be crucial to the Proteas’ success in challenging Indian conditions.
Spin Battle
With both teams fielding multiple spinners, the contest between India’s spin trio and South Africa’s slow bowlers could determine the series outcome.
Rabada vs Indian Batting
Kagiso Rabada’s pace and experience will be tested against India’s formidable batting lineup featuring Jaiswal, Gill, and the explosive Pant.
Conclusion
With championship points at stake and both teams seeking momentum in different phases of their campaigns, the India vs South Africa Test series promises intense competition. The next two months will be crucial for the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, and this series represents a pivotal chapter in both teams’ journeys.
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a compelling contest between India’s home advantage and South Africa’s championship pedigree, all beginning November 14 at the historic Eden Gardens.
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