In the brief two-Test series against South Africa, which starts in Kolkata on Friday, India will want to repeat their home formula of large first-innings totals and persistent spin.
After starting their 2025–27 cycle with a 2-2 series draw in England and a 2-0 sweep at home against the West Indies, Shubman Gill’s team is currently ranked third in the World Test Championship rankings.
Reigning world champions South Africa managed a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, but with the fit-again skipper Temba Bavuma back at the helm, they face a tougher challenge ahead in India. The upcoming Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati are expected to test their resolve, as India’s top order gears up to take on the Kagiso Rabada-led pace attack.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressiveness in India’s powerful top order balances the composure of captain Gill and opening partner KL Rahul. The return of Rishabh Pant, their first-choice wicketkeeper, has strengthened their middle order and created a selection conundrum.
Dhruv Jurel made an impression against the West Indies with the bat and gloves in Pant’s absence, making it challenging to drop him.
India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate stated on Wednesday that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will make way for Jurel in the starting lineup for the first Test.
In his last five first-class games, the 24-year-old Jurel—who has already played seven Tests—has scored four hundreds, including twin hundreds against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru last week.
India would hope that a mix of spin, low bounce, and reverse swing would once again be effective against players like Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi.
With eight players who have never played a Test in India, South Africa will be put to the test by Jasprit Bumrah’s skill with both the new and old ball.
India left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who seems to have finally found his rhythm and the support of his squad in the long format, would also be a concern for Bavuma and his batting mates.
The selection of batsman Zubayr Hamza and three specialist spinners indicate that South Africa is aware of the value of spin and is optimistic about their prospects.
