IND vs SA 2025: Predicting South Africa XI for 1st Test

South Africa will face India in the first Test of the two-match series from Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa last won a Test match at the Eden Gardens in 1996. In their last outing against India at this venue, in 2010, South Africa faced a loss by a margin of an innings and 57 runs. 

Speaking of their recent form, they last played a Test match against Pakistan in October, and the two-match series ended in a draw. South Africa is the current WTC champion and is currently in fifth place.

Let’s look at the probable playing XI of South Africa for the first Test against India:

Top Order: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs will likely be a part of the top order in the playing 11. Rickelton is the second-highest run-scorer for South Africa in 2025 with 436 runs at an average of 72.66.

Middle Order: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), and Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, and Kyle Verreynne are likely to be there in the middle order. Verreynne and de Zorzi have made over 200 runs in Test matches this year.

Lower Middle Order: Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj

Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj are likely to be the two all-rounders in the playing 11. Maharaj is the joint-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test matches this year with 19 wickets in four games at an average of 24.42. Muthusamy has picked up 15 wickets in three games at an average of 22.53.

Bowlers: Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada

Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada might be the three bowlers for the team. Rabada has taken 19 wickets as well in eight innings at an average of 24.57.

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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