The much awaited first test of South Africa tour of India 2025 It will begin tomorrow at 9:30 am local time at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will be the first Test match hosted by Eden Gardens in six years, setting a grand stage for the battle between the two competing sides. India are the leaders in this two-match series and will aim to continue their strong performance on home soil with a winning start.
IndiaThe squad has a mix of youth and experience, being led by Shubman Gill As captain. The batting lineup includes promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal And Sai SudarshanSupported by major players like KL Rahul And Rishabh PantWho also serves as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammad Sirajcomplemented by spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, And -Kuldeep YadavReflects the spin-friendly nature of domestic conditions.
South Africacaptained by Temba BavumaBrings a mix of experienced promoters and emerging talent Aiden Markram, Kyle Verreynneand pace leader Kagiso RabadaAfter a morale-boosting series-saving win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, the Proteas will be keen to challenge India’s dominance on home soil,
eden gardens pitch report
Made up of black soil with patches of light grass, the Eden Gardens pitch is expected to offer something for both fast bowlers and spinners. Historically, after the surface relay in 2017 helped the fast bowlers, the pitch has again become spin-friendly, especially from the third day onwards. The fast bowlers are likely to get help from additional bounce and movement in the morning session, while the help to the spinners is expected to increase as the match progresses. Teams winning the toss are expected to bat first, with a target of 370–380 runs in the first innings considered competitive at this venue.
Also read: IND vs SA: Team India’s Test record at Eden Gardens before 2025 series
Kolkata weather forecast for India vs South Africa 1st Test
- Friday, November 14: The temperature will be between 18°C to 28°C with cloudy sky. Winds from NNW at a speed of 13 km/h will keep the conditions pleasant. This mild weather is ideal for players making their Test debut, with no chance of rain disrupting play.
- Saturday, November 15: Uniform conditions with temperatures between 19°C and 28°C and NNW winds at 11 km/h. The consistent weather patterns will help the bowlers and batsmen get into their rhythm at the beginning of the match.
- Sunday, November 16: A sunny day and the temperature reached 29°C. Northerly winds at a speed of 11 km/hr will provide light breeze, which will make the outfield quicker to score runs and help the bowlers swing.
- Monday, November 17: Another sunny day with a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 18°C. The stable weather will maintain good playing conditions, which will help both the batting and bowling departments.
- Tuesday, November 18: Temperatures up to 30°C and NNW winds at 11 km/h. The sunshine will keep the pitch dry and consistent, potentially maintaining the bounce and pace that fast bowlers will appreciate for spells towards the end of the match.
Overall, dry and sunny conditions over the five days favor a full match with minimal weather interruptions, leading to a balanced contest between bat and ball at the Eden Gardens. The consistent heat and wind pattern may help the fast bowlers early on, while the dry pitch may help the spinners as the match progresses.
