India are set to take on reigning World Test Champions South Africa in the first Test of a much-anticipated two-match series, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens. For India, this series carries immense significance. After a dominant 2-0 victory over West Indies recently, India are eyeing a return to the top two of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. A series win will undoubtedly strengthen their push toward another WTC final.

For South Africa, the mission is equally clear. As the incumbent World Test Champions, Temba Bavuma’s team will be determined to prove that their supremacy isn’t confined to home conditions only. Their recent 1-1 draw against Pakistan in the subcontinent conditions showed they have the adaptability and temperament to thrive in spin-friendly conditions. And that experience could prove invaluable on Indian soil.

The return of Rishabh Pant after a long injury layoff comes as a major boost to the Indian lineup. At the top, Captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will take up India's batting responsibilities. The middle order looks solid with Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, who not only contribute valuable runs but also form the backbone of India’s spin department alongside Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj will lead India's pace attack.

For South Africa, the return of Temba Bavuma provides much-needed stability and leadership. Young guns Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and Aiden Markram will be crucial at the top of the order, leading South Africa's batting attack. The addition of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis adds an electric spark to South Africa's batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa's pace attack along with Marco Jansen. Their spin duo, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, will be pivotal. Harmer, in particular, impressed against Pakistan, and his attack could pose a serious challenge for India’s batters.

Head-to-head

Matches - 44

IND won - 16

SA won - 18

Drawn - 10

India probable XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc&wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa probable XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada