A lot of cricket drama is hidden in plain sight. On the 14th of November at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, this test will be about much more than the battle between a batsman and bowler; it will be a game of chess. The players’ one-on-one battles may determine the mood for the rest of the test series. India is entering this test with momentum from their 2-0 win over the West Indies at home, as well as a hard-fought 2-2 tie in England. While South Africa were disappointed after losing a close test to Pakistan, they know the conditions they’ll face in India, along with an added motivation.
KL Rahul vs Kagiso Rabada: Early Wickets or Early Woes?
KL Rahul has had a red-hot run; he has scored 532 runs in England and 196 against the West Indies. However, despite his impressive batting performance over the past few months, he continues to have trouble against one bowler, namely Kagiso Rabada. As the South African fast bowler has taken KL Rahul’s wicket just once in their last 11 Test matches, it appears as though KL Rahul is having the better of him. However, as we know, statistics are only half the battle. With his speed and accuracy when bowling with a brand-new ball in the early morning light at Eden Gardens, Rabada may test Rahul’s endurance and cricketing skills. If Rabada can take out the opening pair of batsmen, India could find themselves behind from the very start of play.
Tony de Zorzi vs Kuldeep Yadav: Spin Chess in the Middle Overs
For many years, Tony De Zorzi has been Pakistan’s nemesis – he made 175 runs out of four innings against them; however, it appears that for him, left-arm spin is his Kryptonite. The arrival of Kuldeep Yadav (India) is an opportunity for De Zorzi to have another nemesis – Kuldeep took 12 wickets from four innings in the recent West Indies series and does best when there is some turn in the pitch. De Zorzi’s left-hand batting style will be challenged by the variety of flight, speed, and spin Kuldeep can use. Three of De Zorzi’s four dismissals at the hands of Pakistani left-arm bowlers are a warning sign (albeit a small sample). In terms of physicality, neither of these players relies on brute force; both rely on their ability to apply pressure through patience and guile.
Rishabh Pant vs Simon Harmer: Firepower Meets Wily Spin
The Rishabh Pant comeback brings both optimism & uncertainty; his last couple of India A outings have clearly shown that he is on the verge of bursting back into form (a 90 from 113 balls & a 65 from 54), indicating great timing, confidence, and audacity. He faces the off-spinning virtuoso Simon Harmer of South Africa, who has already taken 13 wickets in 4 innings for South Africa in Pakistan. Harmer’s slight variations in flight, drift & angle will be Pant’s first serious test since being injured. No clear favorites are going into this match based on history, as Pant’s natural aggression will go head-to-head with Harmer’s cerebral spin.
Although the 2025 IND v SA Test Series will be short, three-player battles could last longer than the scorecard. Rahul’s reaction to Rabada, Zorzi’s treatment of Kuldeep, and Pant’s battle with Harmer can have an impact on deciding sessions, as well as outcomes. Given that two tests is a small margin between victory and defeat, one innings can make history by rewriting the narrative and record books.
Key Takeaway
In a two-Test series, three individual duels might just write the story of India vs South Africa 2025.
FAQs
1: When does the IND vs SA 2025 Test series start?
The series begins on November 14, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
2: How many Tests are in this series?
The series consists of two Test matches.
3: Which Indian player is making a comeback?
Rishabh Pant returns after a foot injury sustained in July 2025.
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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