Team India, led by Shubman Gill, is facing Temba Bavuma’s South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The opening match of the series began with disappointment for the hosts, as Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first on the opening day (Friday, 14 November).
After suffering a home series defeat to New Zealand last year, the India national cricket team whitewashed West Indies in a two-match Test series last month. The Men in Blue are looking to establish a new era of dominance on home soil during the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Temba Bavuma chose to bat as Shubman Gill lost the toss again
In the opening Test against India at Eden Gardens, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first. Notably, this is the first Test match at this venue after six years.
Rishabh Pant returned to the national team and Dhruv Jurel was included as a specialist batsman. The spin department was loaded with Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while Bengal pacer Akash Deep missed out on selection.
South Africa suffered a blow when fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was ruled out with a rib injury. With Corbin Bosch included in the squad, the visitors opted for a two-spin combination. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder can bowl as additional options if needed.
I will win the toss in WTC final-Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill disappointed after losing another toss. Gill said the pitch should provide early support to the fast bowlers and urged his team to make the most of those conditions. He is hopeful that the surface will be good for batting in the first three days.
“Hopefully, I will win the toss in the WTC final. It is a good surface, and it will have something for the fast bowlers in the early hours, and hopefully we will take advantage of that. The boys are hungry and want to perform. These two matches are important for us. It will be a good surface for the first three days and then the spinners will be helped,” said Shubman Gill.
South Africa recently drew a two-match Test series in Pakistan. The Proteas are expected to pose a far more difficult challenge for India, especially given their strong record and ability to adapt well to subcontinent conditions.
Fans react to Shubman Gill losing another toss
Shubman Gill’s cheeky reply to Ravi Shastri making fun of his poor toss luck:-
“I will win the only toss in the WTC final” ???#shubhmangil #INDvSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ugmZePAatz
– Prateek (@prateek_295) 14 November 2025
India lost the toss again, Indian team management really needs to teach their captains how to win the toss. Losing the toss almost every time cannot be a coincidence.
-Shubman Gill lost all the toss,
Suryakumar Yadav lost all the tosses.
– Harmanpreet Kaur lost all tosses pic.twitter.com/dIWbpU5RDs– Rajeev (@Rajeev1841) 14 November 2025
Shubman Gill loses another toss but now you won’t see Harsha Bhogle tweeting on the toss because it’s not Virat Kohli https://t.co/U8vFfFT0Z4 pic.twitter.com/P3d5g38R8s
– Rajeev (@Rajeev1841) 14 November 2025
It has been noticed since the England tour that Shubman Gill is always economical at the time of toss. Temba Bavuma was honest. Also FFS Ravi Shastri, stop asking on the first day of the series – what’s your combination? How should they answer this? #INDvSA #WTC
– M Satyakam (@satyakam92) 14 November 2025
Captain Shubman Gill toss in test
1 – won
7* – lost pic.twitter.com/7htOAnOFW7– All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) 14 November 2025
Toss and Gill are not made for each other
– Slayingking (@Slay_king_18) 14 November 2025
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