The first Test between India and South Africa has begun at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. After the toss, both teams announced their playing elevens, with India springing a few surprises.

India go with four spinners; Sai Sudarshan dropped
India have included four spinners in their XI:
• Washington Sundar
• Axar Patel
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav

This combination meant Sai Sudarshan, who usually bats at No. 3, was left out. Washington Sundar has been promoted to fill that slot.

Nitish Reddy also misses out
Nitish Reddy, who was being seen as a potential middle-order option, has also been excluded from the XI.

Rishabh Pant returns; Jurel keeps his spot
A major boost for India is Rishabh Pant’s return after injury. Despite Pant’s comeback, Dhruv Jurel retains his place due to his excellent form, including consecutive centuries against South Africa A.
Pant will keep wickets, while Jurel features as a specialist batsman.

South Africa without Kagiso Rabada
South Africa suffered a setback as pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the opening Test due to injury.

India’s Playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa’s Playing XI
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Giorgi, Temba Bavuma (capt), Triston Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch

India vs South Africa at Eden Gardens – Head-to-Head
• The two teams are playing at Eden Gardens after 15 years.
• Of the 3 Tests played at this venue since 1996, India lead 2–1.
• On Indian soil, both teams have met in 19 Tests previously:
– India won 11
– South Africa won 5
– 3 Tests ended in draws