Eden Gardens is set to host a riveting clash as India face South Africa in the first Test of their two-match series. India starts as the overwhelming favorite, but don’t count the Proteas out—they have the firepower to stir things up.

Shubman Gill leads the hosts with calm authority, but make no mistake, this Indian batting lineup packs a serious punch. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal can bludgeon the new ball, while the middle order-Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel-offers depth, resilience, and a dose of unpredictability. And remember, this Eden track loves to reward skill, not just power.

The bowling department is lethal. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj can open up with pace and bounce that any batsman would respect, while Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja, and Sundar will weave their web of spin magic as the wicket begins to turn. Toss-winning captains will almost certainly bat first to take advantage of the flat surface, setting up the battle for later in the game.

Temba Bavuma is back in the saddle as captain, and he knows the challenge is mountainous. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram must steady the top order, while Bavuma himself, Tony de Zorzi, and Wiaan Mulder anchor the middle. On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder must strike early and hard—any early breakthrough will be priceless. Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy will be key in exploiting the turning pitch.

History is not on the visitors’ side. South Africa hasn’t won a Test in India for over 15 years, but if they can weather the early storm, absorb pressure, and negotiate India’s spin army, surprises can happen. It won’t be easy, but in Test cricket, anything is possible.

Eden Gardens offers a story in two acts. Flat and true for the first innings, the pitch invites strokeplay—but as the game progresses, it turns sharply, promising a feast for spinners. First-innings scores usually hover around 290–400. Clear skies and mild weather should bless all five days of action, allowing players to focus purely on skill, strategy, and survival.

Probable XIs

India – Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa – Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Ryan Rickelton, Simon Harmer.

India is the firm favorite, no doubt, with home advantage, a balanced bowling attack, and a deep batting lineup. But cricket, as we all know, is full of twists. South Africa’s task is clear: survive, adapt, and strike when the opportunity arises. The first Test promises pace, spin, drama, and plenty of moments that could turn the game on its head. Eden Gardens is ready—let the battle begin!