South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship titleholders, are set to face India in a two-match Test series starting on November 14. The Temba Bavuma-led Proteas will confront a daunting challenge against a dominant Indian side, which has been remarkably consistent in Test cricket over the past decade. Setting aside India’s recent 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, the Men in Blue have maintained a strong record in home conditions.

The series begins at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens from November 14 to 18, followed by the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. Both matches are scheduled to start at 9:30 AM IST. For the first time in India, a 20-minute tea break will follow the first session, while the lunch break after the second session will last 40 minutes. Session timings are: 9:30–11:30 AM (1st session), 11:50 AM–1:50 PM (2nd session), and 2:30–4:30 PM (3rd session).

Historically, South Africa have struggled in India, losing their last two series in 2015 and 2019 by identical 3-0 margins. India, meanwhile, had not lost a home series in over a decade prior to New Zealand, with their previous defeat being a 2-1 loss to England in 2012. However, the Indian team is currently undergoing a transition after the departure of stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, presenting South Africa with a rare opportunity to make history on subcontinental soil.

Fans can watch the series live on the JioHotstar app and website. Much attention will also be on the pitches, as Indian surfaces traditionally favour spin, potentially shaping the contests in a way that could test the Proteas’ adaptability.

With the first-ever structured tea break in Indian Test cricket and a team in transition, the series promises compelling cricketing action. South Africa will look to capitalise on this chance to challenge one of the strongest sides in the format, while India aim to assert their home dominance once again.

Squads:

India Test squad: 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, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

South Africa Test Squad: 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. (With inputs from Agencies)