India vs South Africa The first Test match is scheduled to begin on November 14, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marking the momentous return of Test cricket to the historic venue after six years. India will be led by Shubman GillWith a strong team with experienced players like Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrahand promising talents like Sai Sudarshan And Dhruv JurelSouth Africa, led by Temba BavumaWill compete with a balanced side including fast bowlers Kagiso Rabadalike all-rounder vian mulderand spinner simon harmer And Keshav Maharaj.
Given the pitch’s tendency to favor spinners later in the game, both teams have prepared carefully, as reflected in the team selection of several frontline spinners on both sides. The match promises to be a tactical duel on a ground that has historically witnessed captivating moments in Test cricket.
Top wicket takers at Eden Gardens in Tests: India and South Africa
Historically, many bowlers from both India and South Africa have excelled at Eden Gardens. Among Indian bowlers, Mohd. Harbhajan Singh He leads the list with 46 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 21.76 and economy of 2.41. His best innings performance here is 7/87. Anil Kumble Known for his impressive spells at the position, taking 40 wickets in 8 matches, his best innings being 7/63. Among fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami Has been impressive, taking 23 wickets in 4 matches, displaying an impressive strike rate and economy. These bowlers have historically exploited the Eden Gardens pitch effectively to bowl spin and seam.
Highest wicket taker at Eden Gardens (India)
| player | Duration | mat | Inn | balls | over | MDNS | it goes | wickets | B.B.I | avenue | economy | sr | 4W | 5W | 10W |
| Harbhajan Singh | 1999-2010 | 7 | 13 | 2491 | 415.1 | 103 | 1001 | 46 | 7/87 | 21.76 | 2.41 | 54.15 | , | 6 | 1 |
| Anil Kumble | 1993-2007 | 8 | 15 | 2954 | 492.2 | 129 | 1233 | 40 | 7/63 | 30.82 | 2.50 | 73.85 | , | 2 | 1 |
| Mohammed Shami | 2013-2019 | 4 | 8 | 725 | 120.5 | 19 | 446 | 23 | 5/47 | 19.39 | 3.69 | 31.52 | 2 | 1 | , |
On the South African side, lance klusener He took 8 wickets in only 1 match, including a remarkable performance of 8/64 in the innings at Eden Gardens. Makhaya Natini And alan donald Has left his mark here in limited overs matches taking 5 and 3 wickets respectively, often using pace and reverse swing to challenge the Indian batsmen. South Africa’s spin arsenal with players like Keshav and Harmer will play a key role in this Test as the pitch conditions become spin-friendly in the latter stages.
Highest wicket taker at Eden Gardens (South Africa)
| player | Duration | mat | Inn | balls | over | MDNS | it goes | wickets | B.B.I | avenue | economy | sr | 4W | 5W | 10W |
| lance klusener | 1996-1996 | 1 | 2 | 213 | 35.3 | 5 | 139 | 8 | 8/64 | 17.37 | 3.91 | 26.62 | , | 1 | , |
| Makhaya Natini | 2004-2004 | 1 | 2 | 288 | 48.0 | 9 | 123 | 5 | 4/112 | 24.60 | 2.56 | 57.60 | 1 | , | , |
| alan donald | 1996-1996 | 1 | 1 | 128 | 21.2 | 4 | 72 | 3 | 3/72 | 24.00 | 3.37 | 42.66 | , | , | , |
Also read: IND vs SA: Hashim Amla picks top 3 test batsmen of all time, no place for Virat Kohli
Highest run scorer at Eden Gardens in Tests for India and South Africa
in terms of batting VVS Laxman He has been the leading Indian run-scorer with 1,217 runs at an excellent average of 110.63 in 10 matches at the Eden Gardens, which included 5 centuries and 3 fifties. Rahul Dravid Known for his solid technique and temperament on this ground, he also has an impressive record here with 962 runs in 9 matches at an average of 68.71. Sachin TendulkarHis contribution also cannot be ignored, he scored 872 runs in 13 matches with a high score of 176 and maintained an average of 45.89, which shows his class at this historic stadium.
Top 5 run scorers at Eden Gardens (India)
| player | Duration | mat | Inn | No | it goes | HS | avenue | BF | sr | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
| VVS Laxman | 1996-2011 | 10 | 15 | 4 | 1217 | 281 | 110.63 | 2192 | 55.52 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 158 | 1 |
| Rahul Dravid | 1996-2011 | 9 | 16 | 2 | 962 | 180 | 68.71 | 2138 | 44.99 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 109 | 3 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1993-2013 | 13 | 21 | 2 | 872 | 176 | 45.89 | 1610 | 54.16 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 130 | 3 |
For South Africa, Hashim Amla Leading the way with 263 runs in 2 matches with a high score of 123* and an impressive average of 87.66. gary kirstenA memorable 235 runs, including an innings of 133 runs in the same match, highlight his dominance on Indian pitches. jacques calisOne of the finest all-rounders, he scored 206 runs at an average of over 50 in 2 matches at the Eden Gardens, demonstrating his ability to handle the South African innings under pressure.
Top 5 run scorers at Eden Gardens (South Africa)
| player | Duration | mat | Inn | No | it goes | HS | avenue | BF | sr | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
| Hashim Amla | 2004-2010 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 263 | 123* | 87.66 | 629 | 41.81 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 |
| gary kirsten | 1996-1996 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 235 | 133 | 117.50 | 366 | 64.20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| jacques calis | 2004-2010 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 206 | 121 | 51.50 | 430 | 47.90 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
The upcoming first Test is important for both the teams as they aim to set the tone for the series. The battle between top-class batsmen and high-impact bowlers on a pitch known for its challenging but fair conditions promises to be an exciting encounter.
Also read: India or South Africa? Sourav Ganguly shares his prediction for 2025 Test series
