The first Test between India and South Africa has begun at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and the match has already seen two major selection shocks.

Sai Sudarshan Dropped
India have left out Sai Sudarshan, their regular No. 3, to accommodate four spinners on a pitch expected to support turn. The team management opted for this spin-heavy combination after assessing the Kolkata surface.
To fill Sudarshan’s top-order slot, Washington Sundar has been promoted to bat at No. 3.

Sudarshan’s Recent Test Form
Sudarshan made his Test debut in June 2025 on the England tour and has played five Tests, scoring 273 runs at an average of 30.33, including two half-centuries. His Tests came against England (home) and West Indies (Ahmedabad, Delhi).

Rabada Suffers Sudden, Painful Injury
South Africa suffered a huge blow before the match as Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the first Test.
During training, Rabada sustained a rib injury, described as painful and serious enough to keep him out of the opener.

Who replaced Sudarshan?
India have brought in Axar Patel as the extra spinner, completing the quartet of:

• Axar Patel

• Washington Sundar

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Ravindra Jadeja