India vs South Africa: First Test Match at Eden Gardens – Opening Scorecard and Highlights

Introduction

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa kicked off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 14 November 2025. South Africa, reigning champions of the ICC World Test Championship, travelled to India looking to break a long winless streak on Indian soil. India, at home and keen to make a mark in Test cricket, welcomed that challenge. The toss, team selections, pitch condition and early action set the tone for what promises to be a tight contest.

ESPN Cricinfo

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The Indian Express

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The Times of India

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Toss and Team Selections

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.

The Times of India

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ESPN Cricinfo

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Their playing eleven included: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj.

The Times of India

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India’s XI featured: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The Times of India

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Conditions and Context

The Eden Gardens pitch was expected to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers. Early on, there was some moisture, favourable for the pace-bowlers, before the surface might settle and allow spinners to play a key role.

The Indian Express

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South Africa have struggled historically in India: they have lost most of their recent Test matches on Indian soil.

The Times of India

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Early Scorecard Snapshot

As of the session reports: South Africa started their innings and were 18/0 (18 runs, no wicket lost) early on Day 1.

The Indian Express

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That initial part of the innings suggested a cautious start by the visitors, with India looking to strike early via their pace attack (Bumrah & Siraj) and later deploying spin.

The Indian Express

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Key Observations from Day 1

South Africa’s decision to bat first: Given the conditions and the fact they won the toss, choosing to bat first shows their intent to post a strong opening total and put India under pressure.

India’s bowling strategy: With pace options opening the bowling and experienced spinners in the squad, India looked to exploit the early conditions and then use spin later when the pitch settles.

Importance of first innings runs: Both teams recognised that on Indian wickets the first innings often dictates the momentum for the match. As South Africa’s captain noted, the surface looks dry and first-innings runs will be crucial.

The Times of India

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What to Watch Going Forward

South Africa’s batting depth: After a cautious start, their middle and lower order—including Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs—will need to contribute to set a competitive total.

India’s spin attack: With spinners like Jadeja, Axar and Kuldeep available, India will aim to exploit the middle overs and make early inroads into the South African batting line-up.

India’s batting vs quality spin: South Africa bring spin options too (Maharaj, Harmer). India’s top order will need to negotiate that carefully to build a decisive first innings.

Fitness and form: Rishabh Pant’s return to the XI is a significant inclusion for India. Both teams will monitor their key players’ fitness and match rhythm.

Historical narratives: For South Africa, winning a Test series in India remains elusive. India will aim to maintain home dominance in Test cricket.

Conclusion

The first Test between India and South Africa has begun under promising conditions for both sides. South Africa’s decision to bat first signals a bold intent. India, at home and with a balanced bowling attack, will look to exert pressure early. While the day’s scorecard is still in its early stages, the themes of spin v batting, first-innings momentum and home-advantage are already shaping up. The rest of the match will reveal whether South Africa can break their run of defeats in India or if India will reinforce their home Test strength.