India vs South Africa Test Series November 2025: Latest News, Updates, and Everything You Need to Know

As November approaches, Indian cricket fans are set for another epic contest when the South African men’s team visits for a high-voltage two-match Test series. This encounter, integral to the ICC World Test Championship cycle, is gaining immense attention for the stakes, player narratives, and historic context. With the first match scheduled at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and the second at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, here is the most comprehensive, latest update on all aspects of the series, including squad news, tactical insights, schedule revisions, and expert analysis.

Full Schedule and Venues

The two Tests are scheduled as follows:

• 1st Test: November 14–18, Eden Gardens, Kolkata; start time 9:30 AM IST

• 2nd Test: November 22–26, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati; start time 9:00 AM IST

Both matches are crucial, not just for bilateral bragging rights but also for vital points in the World Test Championship standings. Team India, currently third in the table with a points percentage of 61.90, looks to secure home wins to aim for the top two spots and keep their finals hopes alive for the WTC in 2027.​

Latest Team Announcements and Squad News

India

The Men’s Senior Selection Committee named a strong 15-member squad, led by Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. Besides the familiar faces of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, the selectors have included talented newcomers such as Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep. Pant’s return after injury and Gill’s leadership mark notable storylines for this series.​

South Africa

South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, arrive with a renewed sense of purpose. The team features experienced captains, top-order batsmen, and, most importantly, a quality spin attack with Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Simon Harmer. The Proteas see this tour as their biggest test, aiming to end a 15-year winless drought in India. Maharaj’s media comments reveal their hunger to conquer subcontinental challenges and assert their championship credentials.​

Tactical Preview: The Spin and Pace Battle

The spotlight is on India’s bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose opening spells can set the tone before the spinners come into play. South Africa’s former captain Graeme Smith emphasized the need for his team to survive Bumrah’s new-ball threat, suggesting that handling pace and then spin will be key on these pitches. With Indian tracks favoring spinners in the latter stages, Maharaj and Harmer’s expertise may prove decisive, especially if South Africa can start strong and pressure India’s lower order.​

India’s recent home series wins show a trend toward competitive, balanced wickets, allowing matches to extend to the fourth and fifth days. This should create opportunities for both teams, with batting depth and bowling variety being critical strategic assets.

Schedule Innovations and Session Changes

The series will feature a novel change in playing times for the second Test at Guwahati, where tea will be taken prior to lunch, starting 30 minutes earlier than the Kolkata Test. These slight adjustments are intended to accommodate local conditions and broadcaster requirements, ensuring spectators enjoy optimal playing hours.​

What’s at Stake: History and Momentum

South Africa views this tour as an opportunity to reverse their fortunes in India—having lost all matches in their previous two visits in 2015 and 2019. Head coach Shukri Conrad remarked that the team is now better equipped than ever, particularly with their refined spin attack and tactical preparation. Recent victories in Pakistan and the emergence of world-class all-round talents energize their campaign.​

India, meanwhile, seeks to cement dominance at home and sharpen its approach ahead of an intense WTC cycle. With an evolving squad and the injection of young players, the focus will be on seamless transition and relentless home performance.

Key Players to Watch

India

• Shubman Gill (Captain): Emerging as a world-class leader and batsman

• Rishabh Pant: Back from injury, boosting middle-order and wicketkeeping

• Jasprit Bumrah: Strike bowler to watch, especially in early spells

• Ravindra Jadeja: All-round impact with bat and ball

South Africa

• Keshav Maharaj: Spin specialist with dreams of historic victory

• Temba Bavuma (Captain): Captaincy under pressure to break the Indian jinx

• Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy: New spin duo for subcontinental conditions

Post-Test Series: What’s Next

After the Test series, the teams will transition to three ODIs and five T20Is before the new year. The first ODI is scheduled for November 30 at Ranchi, then Raipur and Visakhapatnam. This packed schedule will test squad depth and offer selectors a chance to evaluate young talent for future international assignments.​

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The India vs South Africa Test series this November will be a true test of character, legacy, and skill for both teams. With historic ambitions, dynamic squads, and strategic innovations, the contest promises memorable moments and keen drama for cricket enthusiasts worldwide—best followed, discussed, and celebrated on Winexch.