Overview
- ACA and BCCI have confirmed an earlier start and a tea-before-lunch order to maximise playable daylight at the eastern venue.
- Session timings are set at 9:00–11:00, tea 11:00–11:20, 11:20–13:20, lunch 13:20–14:00, and 14:00–16:00 IST.
- The change reverses the traditional order for day Tests in India, echoing the sequence used in day-night matches.
- South Africa lead 1–0 after a 30-run win in Kolkata, making the second Test significant for the series result and World Test Championship points.
- India captain Shubman Gill has been cleared to travel and will be monitored, while curators expect bounce and carry early with turn after two days on Barsapara’s red-earth pitch.