- Joined
- Nov 25, 2023
- Runs
- 22,730
'Fire meets fire under the Kolkata sky!' The iconic Eden Gardens is all set to host a high-voltage clash as India take on the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, in the first Test of this much-anticipated two-match series. For India, this is more than just another home assignment - it’s a golden chance to climb back into the top two of the World Test Championship standings. For South Africa, it’s about defending their hard-earned crown and proving that their mastery extends beyond home soil. India come into this contest on the back of a dominant 2-0 series win over the West Indies, while the Proteas recently battled out a gritty 1-1 draw against Pakistan in the subcontinent, showing they’re no strangers to these conditions. However, the warning signs are already flashing - the India A side, which included the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav, failed to defend 417 against South Africa A, with only Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza featuring in both sqauds. That result might have planted a small seed of doubt in India’s camp. Still, there are plenty of positives to take in. Dhruv Jurel’s twin hundreds in that game have thrown his name into serious contention, though Rishabh Pant’s return in good touch makes him the frontrunner behind the stumps. At the top, Shubman Gill’s leadership and form will be crucial, alongside the flamboyant Yashasvi Jaiswal, while KL Rahul add class and stability. India’s middle order looks compact with the likes of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, while the spin department featuring Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar remains their biggest weapon at home. The pace attack led by Siraj and Akash Deep provides the necessary bite, but needs more consistency, while Jasprit Bumrah's lethality and experience could make a world of difference in crucial phases. On the other hand, South Africa arrive with confidence and purpose. Temba Bavuma’s return gives them much-needed experience and calmness, while Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and Aiden Markram add youthful flair and aggression. The exciting inclusion of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis brings a fearless edge to their lineup - both capable of changing the game’s tempo with counter-attacking batting. Their biggest asset, however, is their bowling depth. Kagiso Rabada continues to spearhead the attack with Marco Jansen’s pace and swing, and they will enjoy bowling on this Kolkata wicket as it always has something for the pacers.
The spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, who was superb against Pakistan bring variety and control - something that could trouble India as the Test progresses. In terms of balance, the Proteas appear well-rounded, but their biggest challenge will be adapting quickly to the heat, bounce, and slow nature of Indian wickets. They’ll need their batters to counter India’s spinners and avoid collapses that have often haunted them in Asia. The stakes couldn’t be higher - India last hosted South Africa in 2019-20 and inflicted a 3-0 whitewash, but since then, the Proteas have had the upper hand in Test series between the two. With pride, momentum, and crucial WTC points on the line, this game promises a fierce battle of patience, skill, and temperament. Expect Eden Gardens to roar, as two modern heavyweights lock horns in a contest that could set the tone for their red-ball journeys ahead.
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Kyle Verreynne (WK), Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
------------------------------------------------------
Warning:
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
The spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, who was superb against Pakistan bring variety and control - something that could trouble India as the Test progresses. In terms of balance, the Proteas appear well-rounded, but their biggest challenge will be adapting quickly to the heat, bounce, and slow nature of Indian wickets. They’ll need their batters to counter India’s spinners and avoid collapses that have often haunted them in Asia. The stakes couldn’t be higher - India last hosted South Africa in 2019-20 and inflicted a 3-0 whitewash, but since then, the Proteas have had the upper hand in Test series between the two. With pride, momentum, and crucial WTC points on the line, this game promises a fierce battle of patience, skill, and temperament. Expect Eden Gardens to roar, as two modern heavyweights lock horns in a contest that could set the tone for their red-ball journeys ahead.
India Test Squad
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Kyle Verreynne (WK), Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
------------------------------------------------------
Warning:
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
