Overview
- The series starts on November 14 in Kolkata, with the second Test in Guwahati where play will begin at 9 a.m. local time and session breaks are shifted to maximize daylight.
- New Delhi was removed from the schedule because of severe air pollution, with BCCI opting for Kolkata and Guwahati where air quality is acceptable.
- Rishabh Pant returns to the India XI as wicketkeeper and Dhruv Jurel is set to play as a specialist batter, while veteran seamer Mohammed Shami was left out despite strong domestic form.
- Captain Shubman Gill says India may choose between a third seamer and an extra spinner but expects spinners to decide the match, with Bumrah and Siraj poised to exploit any reverse swing on an Eden pitch not expected to be a rank turner.
- South Africa arrive as WTC holders with Temba Bavuma urging his side to validate their title, and their spin group led by Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer highlighted as a major threat after dominating in a recent 1-1 draw in Pakistan.