Overview
- Temba Bavuma won the toss at Eden Gardens to open the two-Test series, with India captain Shubman Gill losing yet again.
- Gill, now 1–7 at the toss as Test captain, joked he might finally win one in the World Test Championship final.
- It was reported as South Africa’s first toss win in India in eight Tests since 2015.
- India brought back Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant to the XI, and the pitch is expected to play true early before offering more turn later.
- Bavuma said South Africa’s preparation is strong and called for individuals to stand up, while India sit third and South Africa fourth in the current WTC standings.