Overview
- India named four spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav—in the first Test XI at Eden Gardens.
- Aakash Chopra criticized the decision to drop Sai Sudharsan, warning that the No. 3 role should not become a game of musical chairs.
- Anil Kumble said he was surprised Sudharsan was omitted and queried the need for four spinners on day one conditions.
- Sudharsan had scored 87 in Delhi and has 273 runs from five Tests at No. 3, yet India opted to trial Sundar in the slot.
- South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, with Kagiso Rabada unavailable due to a rib injury.