Overview
- Reigning World Test Champion South Africa begin a two-Test tour on Friday in Kolkata, with the second match in Guwahati from November 22 under revised session times to maximize daylight.
- Shubman Gill said spinners usually decide Tests in India but left the XI open until the morning inspection, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj locked in and a call pending on an extra seamer versus an extra spinner.
- CAB president Sourav Ganguly indicated the Eden pitch will not be a rank-turner, with early assistance for batting and pace before offering increasing help to spin from day three.
- India plan to start with Pant as wicketkeeper and retain Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter, while veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was left out despite strong Ranji form as Gill cited recent performances from others.
- The Proteas arrive leaning on a potent spin group of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy after dominance in Pakistan, with Temba Bavuma back to captain the WTC holders.