Overview
- The series starts Friday in Kolkata, with the second Test on November 22 in Guwahati, where the BCCI has set a 9:00 a.m. start, tea at 11:00 a.m., lunch at 1:20 p.m., and stumps at 4:00 p.m. to maximize daylight.
- New Delhi was dropped as a host due to poor air quality, with Eden Gardens and Barsapara Stadium confirmed as venues for the two Tests.
- Shubman Gill said spinners usually decide home Tests but flagged early moisture and reverse swing for quicks, calling the XI balance a live choice between an extra seamer or spinner.
- Gill acknowledged Mohammed Shami’s omission as a tough call, with Rishabh Pant returning to keep wicket and Dhruv Jurel set to feature as a specialist batter.
- South Africa captain Temba Bavuma urged his team to validate their title, leaning on a potent spin group after Proteas slow bowlers dominated their recent 1-1 series in Pakistan.