Published on: Nov 11, 2025 5:02 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 11, 2025 5:03 pm IST
Team India and reigning World Test Champions South Africa are all set to lock horns in a 2-match Test series, which kicks off on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As the excitement of this highly anticipated series builds up, all eyes will be on a handful of players who could shape the outcome of this red-ball battle.
With both teams undergoing subtle transitions and grooming future stars, this series offers a perfect platform for emerging talents and seasoned campaigners to make their mark. Here are five players to watch out for in the India vs South Africa Test series starting on November 14.
Team India is looking for a perfect No. 6 in their batting lineup, and Dhruv Jurel is in contention to make that spot his own. After scoring his maiden Test ton in the absence of Rishabh Pant in the second Test of the previous home series against West Indies, Jurel piled up twin centuries for the India A game vs South Africa ahead of this series.
The right-hand wicket-keeper has made a strong statement in recent times to fill in as a pure batter at no. 6 for Team India. What makes Jurel stand out is his ability to bat as a pure middle-order batter, not just a keeper. His compact style, calm demeanor, and ability to rotate strike make him a strong candidate to cement the No. 6 spot. If he performs well in this series, Jurel could become a long-term fixture in India’s Test middle order, especially in subcontinent conditions where batting depth is crucial.
South Africa’s wicket-keeper batter is widely regarded as one of the best players in the country against spin bowling. Verreynne’s technique against slow bowling, using soft hands, decisive footwork, and the ability to sweep, makes him a vital cog in South Africa’s batting lineup. With India likely to field a spin-heavy attack featuring Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, Verreynne’s role in the middle order becomes even more critical.
His performance could also influence South Africa’s long-term strategy in the subcontinent, especially with the reputation of being the World Test Champions at stake. The right-hander will be giving a litmus test in this series on turning tracks, and it will be interesting to see if Verryenne passes it.
Sai Sudharsan has been getting a lot of push at no. 3 for Team India. Batted at no. 3 in England on three of the five occasions and also in the two home Tests against West Indies. His elegant strokeplay, especially through the off-side, and his ability to bat long make him a good fit at No. 3. However, against South Africa’s pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, Sudharsan will need to show resilience and adaptability.
The youngster from Tamil Nadu has been decent enough so far in his short Test career to hold that spot for now. But with players like Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel piling up runs in the domestic circuit, this series could well define the future of Sai Suddharsan at no. 3 for Team India in red-ball cricket.
Playing in familiar conditions on wickets that are tailor-made for spinners, Kuldeep Yadav will fancy his chances of shining in this series. For years, Kuldeep has been the second fiddle to the duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin at home, but it seems like the time has come when Kuldeep will get his own spotlight, especially with Ashwin no longer playing cricket.
Kuldeep’s ability to extract bounce and turn, coupled with his deceptive googly, makes him a potent threat in home conditions. He has matured as a bowler, learning to bowl longer spells and control his variations better. With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar likely to play a supporting role, Kuldeep will be India’s primary wicket-taking option in the spin department.
The man with the Midas touch. Proteas skipper has been the go-to man in Test cricket for the team. Under his leadership, South Africa has never lost a Test match, and this series could well shape his legacy as the finest Proteas Test skipper. Besides leadership, Temba’s batting prowess will be on display as well on the turning tracks of the subcontinent.
Known for his compact technique and ability to grind out tough runs, Bavuma will need to anchor South Africa’s innings on spin-friendly surfaces. If Bavuma can inspire his team to compete and possibly win a Test series in India, a feat South Africa hasn’t achieved since 2000, it would elevate his legacy as one of South Africa’s finest Test skippers. His performance with the bat will also be closely watched, especially against India’s varied bowling attack.
When is India vs South Africa 1st Test?
The first Test between India and South Africa will take place on 14th November.
Where will the 1st Test take place?
The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata will be hosting the 1st Test.
How many Test matches will India and South Africa play in this series?
The series comprises only two Test matches. The second Test will be played on 22nd November at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.
Where to Watch India vs South Africa 2025 Test Series Live in India?
The online live streaming for this series will take place on JioHotstar. TV viewers can watch the series live on Star Sports Network channels—Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 3 on both HD and non-HD channels.