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South Africa tour of India (2025)

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Bavuma back as Proteas announce Test squad for India series

South Africa head to India on the back of a series draw in the Pakistan Tests, while the hosts defeated the West Indies 2-0 in their last Test series.

South Africa have unveiled a 15-member squad for the Test series against India commencing on November 14, after kickstarting their ICC World Test Championship cycle against Pakistan with a 1-1 draw.

The reigning World Test Champions will be led by Temba Bavuma, who is back after missing the tour against Pakistan.

The Proteas have included three frontline spinners in the squad with Keshav Maharaj leading the attack, while also consisting of Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, who was the player of the series against Pakistan.

Speaking about the squad selection, South Africa Head Coach Shukri Conrad said, “We’ve kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan. Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series.

“We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us.

“Pakistan was a squad effort and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”

South Africa squad for India tour:

Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne
 
India squad for SA Tests

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Md Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

:kp
 
Devadwal said:
India squad for SA Tests

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Md Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

:kp
Click to expand...
Be ready to be humiliated
Lord Bavuma is on a mission to conquer India
 
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jamie smith fan said:
Be ready to be humiliated
Lord Bavuma is on a mission to conquer India
Click to expand...
Like you said about Asia cup , Champion trophy or women's World Cup.

Abhi tak delusional m ho. 🤣🤣🤣

India is winning this series 2-0 and ready to humiliated like as always .

:klopp :kp
 
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This would be my 11

Ryan Rickelton
Aiden Markram
Temba Bavuma (C)
Tristan Stubbs/Muthusamy
Tony de Zorzi
Dewald Brevis
Kyle Verreynne
Marco Jansen
Simon Harmer
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada

I feel that they don't need a third spinner but then Muthusamy looked like a capable batter but then everyone looks like a capable batter against our useless bowling. Hope Bavuma is in form & has match practice otherwise the team looks weaker after his addition.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
This would be my 11

Ryan Rickelton
Aiden Markram
Temba Bavuma (C)
Tristan Stubbs/Muthusamy
Tony de Zorzi
Dewald Brevis
Kyle Verreynne
Marco Jansen
Simon Harmer
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada

I feel that they don't need a third spinner but then Muthusamy looked like a capable batter but then everyone looks like a capable batter against our useless bowling. Hope Bavuma is in form & has match practice otherwise the team looks weaker after his addition.
Click to expand...
Bavuma will play the 2nd 'A' match against India A before the actual Test series
 
Rickleton
Markram
Bavuma
De Zorzi
Stubbs/Hamza
Mulder
Verreyne
Muthuswamy
Maharaj
Harmer/Bosch(depending on type of pitch)
Rabada
 
I think a good pitch which will aid spin a bit by day 3 will be on offer .. Hope SAF go with a decent 5th bowling option .
Light could be a issue in 3rd session & we might not get more than 80-85 overs per day , any locals here ?
 
Ab Fan said:
Nothing is bigger than the humiliation that India served Pakistan for 3 back to back Sundays in Asia Cup. :inti
:ab
Click to expand...
Main thing—it was on a Sunday… and Salman Ali Agha’s face looked like it had just seen all seven stages of grief, live on HD. That expression alone could’ve crashed a few tellies and traumatised a generation of remotes
 
Pant returns for India's Tests against South Africa

India have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming home Test series against the Proteas, beginning November 14.

India have picked a strong unit for the two-match Test series against South Africa as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Shubman Gill will lead the side, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain, marking his return to Test cricket after injury.

India’s Test squad:

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

Pant was ruled out of the fifth Test of the England series due to a foot injury and eventually didn't play the two-Test series against the West Indies as well.

Even as Pant replaces N Jagadeesan, the series also sees the return of pacer Akash Deep in the place of Prasidh Krishna, who was a part of the squad against the West Indies.

Alongside established stars such as Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, the selectors have included promising names like Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

India began the current WTC cycle against England 2-2 away from home, and clean swept the West Indies last month in a two-match Test series at home.

The first match of the South Africa series is scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 followed by the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22.

India v South Africa Test series schedule:

First Test - 14 to 18 November, Kolkata

Second Test - 22 to 26 November, Guwahati

ICC
 
KL Rahul , Sai both failed in 2nd unofficial Test between India A and South Africa a.
KL 19(40)
Sai 17(53)

Pant and Jurel are batting now .

Pant 23(16)*
Jurel 19(21)*

India A 85/4

:kp
 
Devadwal said:
Yes but he has the potential to succeed in test cricket . I'll stick with him :kp
Click to expand...
That's the problem with WTC. You can't select on potential anymore. Especially for tough tours.

Got to play your best in form players for any chance.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
That's the problem with WTC. You can't select on potential anymore. Especially for tough tours.

Got to play your best in form players for any chance.
Click to expand...
But problem is even Stubbs/ Hamza score some runs ,they won't win the match for South Africa but bravis runs are more important as they will comes with High strikes rate which can put India on Backfoot.

I don't think India will give them any Turner but a normal Indian pitch which may suits him .

:kp
 
Ryan Rickleton (wk)
Aiden Markram
Temba Bavuma (c)
Tony De Zorzi
Tristan Stubbs
Zubayr Hamza
Senuran Muthuswamy
Corbin Bosch
Keshav Maharaj
Simon Harmer
Kagiso Rabada

Zubayr Hamza scored runs in the series against India A. On the last tour to India he scored a half-century too. He should be in the playing XI.
 
KL Rahul
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Don't care...none of India;s current options for this number are good enough
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj

India looking very strong for this series. The return of Pant will be massive.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
KL Rahul
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Don't care...none of India;s current options for this number are good enough
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj

India looking very strong for this series. The return of Pant will be massive.
Click to expand...
Agree. That is the one position that is open in the Indian test XI. The toughest position to fill.

There is a ready replacement for Jadeja in Sundar. Jurel the likely addition in the middle order. So things look settled in the middle order.
 
U$ofA said:
Agree. That is the one position that is open in the Indian test XI. The toughest position to fill.

There is a ready replacement for Jadeja in Sundar. Jurel the likely addition in the middle order. So things look settled in the middle order.
Click to expand...
It's disappointing to see them leave out Axar Patel, who is a fantastic bowler in Indian conditions.

He hasn't played a test match in nearly 2 years.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
KL Rahul
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Don't care...none of India;s current options for this number are good enough
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj

India looking very strong for this series. The return of Pant will be massive.
Click to expand...
They will continue with Sai at 3. Axar is not in the plans for Test cricket. He doesn't rev it as much as the others.

Jadeja, Sundar,Kuldeep + 2 pacers is enough in the bowling department.

Wish they play an extra batsman
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
KL Rahul
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Don't care...none of India;s current options for this number are good enough
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj

India looking very strong for this series. The return of Pant will be massive.
Click to expand...
Looks a good side. I hope they play Jurel as a pure batter. He has done enough as just a batter to justify his inclusion. He is in good form and I always believe you must play players who are in form currently. Sudarshan is a good batter and will get better in time, but for now Jurel must be included.
 
charlie007 said:
Looks a good side. I hope they play Jurel as a pure batter. He has done enough as just a batter to justify his inclusion. He is in good form and I always believe you must play players who are in form currently. Sudarshan is a good batter and will get better in time, but for now Jurel must be included.
Click to expand...
Jurel is hard to fit anywhere else than 5-7. With Pant back, I don't see it happening, eventhough he will probably do better than Sai
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Jurel is hard to fit anywhere else than 5-7. With Pant back, I don't see it happening, eventhough he will probably do better than Sai
Click to expand...
They could open with Rahul and Jaiswal, bring Gill in at 3, Pant at 4, and then Jurel at 5. Though I do have my doubts if Gill will be amenable to bat at 3 instead of 4.
 
Nowadays, India seem to be producing better multi skilled batsman than specialist batsman.

Eg - Washington, Pant, Jurel
 
charlie007 said:
They could open with Rahul and Jaiswal, bring Gill in at 3, Pant at 4, and then Jurel at 5. Though I do have my doubts if Gill will be amenable to bat at 3 instead of 4.
Click to expand...
Nah. Gill has cemented the number 4 spot by scoring 4 hundred in 12 innings. No need to change his position.
:kp
 
Nikhil_cric said:
They will continue with Sai at 3. Axar is not in the plans for Test cricket. He doesn't rev it as much as the others.

Jadeja, Sundar,Kuldeep + 2 pacers is enough in the bowling department.

Wish they play an extra batsman
Click to expand...
That will probably be the side. Could play NKR depending on the pitch. Although I think Axar should play over Washington.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
That will probably be the side. Could play NKR depending on the pitch. Although I think Axar should play over Washington.
Click to expand...
Washington is a right handed off spinner, while Axar is somewhat similar to Jadeja - that probably counts against him.
 
charlie007 said:
They could open with Rahul and Jaiswal, bring Gill in at 3, Pant at 4, and then Jurel at 5. Though I do have my doubts if Gill will be amenable to bat at 3 instead of 4.
Click to expand...
I don't see Gill giving up No. 4 spot. Especially now that he is captain.

He's also a superstitious lad and probably doesn't want to go back to a position he wasn't that great at.:kp
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
That will probably be the side. Could play NKR depending on the pitch. Although I think Axar should play over Washington.
Click to expand...
Washington gets more overspin on the ball and is an offie. They are likely to have 3 left handers in the top 7, so it's good to have an offie. Don't think 2 SLA's will be required.

I'd go

Jaiswal
KL
Sai
Gill
Pant
Jurel/Padikkal
Jadeja
Washi
KD
Siraj
Akash/Bumrah
 
charlie007 said:
Washington is a right handed off spinner, while Axar is somewhat similar to Jadeja - that probably counts against him.
Click to expand...
I know. There is logic behind selecting Washington, but personally I have always liked Axar as a bowler and feel he has been a bit hard done by. Granted, he wasn't that great in the last few tests he played, but he had an incredible start to his test career and hasn't really been given too many chances for India in the past four years.

Washington is the replacement for Ashwin. I thought Axar would be the replacement for Jadeja but Jadeja just keeps performing and seems to be getting better and better with the bat.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
I know. There is logic behind selecting Washington, but personally I have always liked Axar as a bowler and feel he has been a bit hard done by. Granted, he wasn't that great in the last few tests he played, but he had an incredible start to his test career and hasn't really been given too many chances for India in the past four years.

Washington is the replacement for Ashwin. I thought Axar would be the replacement for Jadeja but Jadeja just keeps performing and seems to be getting better and better with the bat.
Click to expand...
I would say Washington will be the replacement for Jadeja. Sundar will play in Eng, SA, Aus. as the lone spinner. Just like Jadeja does.

But Jadeja's career is nearing an end. Just a matter of when.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Jurel is hard to fit anywhere else than 5-7. With Pant back, I don't see it happening, eventhough he will probably do better than Sai
Click to expand...
Jurel played at 3 in practice matches on a green mamba in aus .He scored the highest among both sides with aus having konstas, Webster, another aus failed opener i forgot.Few are effectively pushing jurel for 3rd spot.Sai has to be on toes and perform against saffers otherwise its curtains for quite a bit of time.Due to lots of good youngsters , Indian team is becoming perform all the time to secure ur spot or perish kind of mouse trap .
 
Yeah, Sudarshan hasn’t reached that stage yet where he has enough performances behind him to get a long rope. He is yet to earn that.
Jurel is in red hot form - he just scored an unbeaten hundred (134*) for India A vs SA A in the ongoing tour game when the next highest score was 24 by Pant!!
 
jnaveen1980 said:
Jurel may pip Sai here. Sai has to produce big centuries at 3. Can't score 50s and get out. You need minimum century.
Click to expand...
Sai is there to keep Gujarat quota strong from IPL in Indian team. A listless batter who will be exposed against quality spin if he plays in this series. In form Jurel should be played, let Washington/Jurel bat at 3. Pant can take his place at 5.
 
Prasidh is a surprising omission, guess the management wants him to play in ODIs only.
 
Just now Pant injured in 2nd unofficial test and retired hurt . Not a good sign for india. :kp
 
Nikhil_cric said:
They made a green mamba to ensure SA don't get practice on a slow, spinning wicket.

Looks like it has backfired 😂
Click to expand...
Hopefully he is alright and nothing serious. Jurel is having outstanding match , I think he has earned a place in the team at 6.

Number 3 spot is wide open at this moment.

:kp
 
1. Rahul
2. Jaiswal
3. Padikkal
4. Gill
5. Pant (wk)
6. Jadeja
7. Jurel
8. Washington
9. Kuldeep
10. Bumrah
11. Siraj
 
Jurel is at 88 now folowed by a magnificent 136*. I think he will play for sure either at cost of sai or pant.Sai will hope for pant injury for atleast a match to prove himself.
 
harshjoshi87 said:
Sai is there to keep Gujarat quota strong from IPL in Indian team. A listless batter who will be exposed against quality spin if he plays in this series. In form Jurel should be played, let Washington/Jurel bat at 3. Pant can take his place at 5.
Click to expand...
Neither of them are a number 3 bat. They are 5 or 6. No higher. The three spot is different. Very tough to fill and even tougher to play and succeed.

I am sure Sudarshan is going to get a run. But BCCI should be looking at other #3's. But not sure if there are any.
 
U$ofA said:
Neither of them are a number 3 bat. They are 5 or 6. No higher. The three spot is different. Very tough to fill and even tougher to play and succeed.

I am sure Sudarshan is going to get a run. But BCCI should be looking at other #3's. But not sure if there are any.
Click to expand...
Padikkal can bat at 3. He batted at 3 in Perth last year.

Pant at 5, Jurel at 7.
 
Jurel has to play in place of Nitish Reddy now.

5. Jurel
6. Pant(wk)
7. Jadeja
8. Washington
9. Kuldeep
10. Boom
11. Miyan
 
Now that SA series is over, I wish them luck to pummel the next opposition :p
 
I hope this will be continuation of what NZ did to India in India. A 2-0 for the visitors will be nice. Only thing that can stop this will be the late order batsmen from india. They tend to score some crucial runs in India.
 
Mobashir said:
I hope this will be continuation of what NZ did to India in India. A 2-0 for the visitors will be nice. Only thing that can stop this will be the late order batsmen from india. They tend to score some crucial runs in India.
Click to expand...

Thanks .... which means India winning.
 
Mobashir said:
I hope this will be continuation of what NZ did to India in India. A 2-0 for the visitors will be nice. Only thing that can stop this will be the late order batsmen from india. They tend to score some crucial runs in India.
Click to expand...
India only lost a single test series at home SINCE 12 year while some team can't win the series at home . :

India is going to win 2-0 with ease :klopp :kp
 
Vikram1989 said:
Jurel is at 88 now folowed by a magnificent 136*. I think he will play for sure either at cost of sai or pant.Sai will hope for pant injury for atleast a match to prove himself.
Click to expand...
Lol, you are trolling right? You think india is going to drop it's best test player and biggest match winner of the last 6-7 years?
 
South Africa have rotated their players much better than India have.

Their multi-format players are all well rested from not playing in the white ball leg of the Pakistan tour.

On the other hand, the likes of Gill, Sundar, Bumrah, Kuldeep have not had that . I wonder how much that will affect the outcome of the series.
 
jamie smith fan said:
There were many highpoints in 2024 but in 2024 it was one of my happiest moments in cricket.
May these moments come every month
Click to expand...
those moments did'nt come in a large part of 2025, but the whole of india celebrated large parts of 2025 for several moments....
Any ways - who knows the future...i feel the SAF series will be closely fiercely fought much like the india - eng series....guaranteed entertainment and 'plenty of moments' ...:Dah
 
Nikhil_cric said:
South Africa have rotated their players much better than India have.

Their multi-format players are all well rested from not playing in the white ball leg of the Pakistan tour.

On the other hand, the likes of Gill, Sundar, Bumrah, Kuldeep have not had that . I wonder how much that will affect the outcome of the series.
Click to expand...
South Africa A chase down 417 against strong India A team.

South Africa cricket is producing good player's. Nice to see.

Hopefully This is going to be good series instead one sided.

:kp
 
6 batter including Jurel & Pant , Jadeja , Sundar , Kuldeep , Bumrah , Siraj ... on what is expected to be a good track for first 3 days , does this bowling appear inadequate ?
 
Mobashir said:
I hope this will be continuation of what NZ did to India in India. A 2-0 for the visitors will be nice. Only thing that can stop this will be the late order batsmen from india. They tend to score some crucial runs in India.
Click to expand...

Yup.

I think South Africa are fully capable of whitewashing India in India. Golden opportunity.

India are doing well in T20 but they are declining in Test. That was evident in their last 10 Tests. :inti
 
Human786 said:
6 batter including Jurel & Pant , Jadeja , Sundar , Kuldeep , Bumrah , Siraj ... on what is expected to be a good track for first 3 days , does this bowling appear inadequate ?
Click to expand...
These games are played with low intensity. It is just to get some game time.
 
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