
India will take on South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series on Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It will be the first Test match at the Eden Gardens since 2019. India last played a Test match against the West Indies in October and won the two-match series by 2-0. India are currently in fourth place in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, and are ranked in third position in the WTC points table.
Let’s look at the probable playing XI of India for the first Test against South Africa:
Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan will likely be a part of the top order in the playing 11. Rahul is the second-highest run-scorer for India in Test matches in 2025 and has made three centuries and half-centuries each. He has amassed 745 runs this year at an average of 53.21.
Middle Order: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), and Dhruv Jurel
Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel are likely to be there in the middle order. Gill is the leading run-scorer in Test matches for India this year. He has made 979 runs in eight games at an average of 69.92 and has hit five centuries.
Lower Middle Order: Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are likely to be the two all-rounders in the playing 11. Jadeja has taken 15 wickets and scored 659 runs in eight matches this year.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj
Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj might be the three bowlers for the team. Siraj is the leading wicket-taker for India in Test matches this year. He has picked up 37 wickets in eight games at an average of 26.91.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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