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The first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens began with a significant surprise as South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first. With both teams in a tight race for qualification to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2027, the stakes could not be higher.
However, the Proteas were dealt a major setback even before the first ball was bowled.
Kagiso Rabada misses out, Senuran Muthusamy surprisingly dropped
South Africa’s premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the first Test after suffering a rib injury during training in the lead-up to the match. Bavuma confirmed the development at the toss, calling Rabada’s absence a “massive blow” in such an important fixture.
Rabada’s express pace, reverse swing, and ability to strike early have made him the backbone of South Africa’s Test attack for years. His unavailability forces the Proteas to rethink their bowling strategy on a pitch historically offering help to both seamers and spinners.
Rabada is expected to undergo further assessment, and his participation in the remainder of the series remains uncertain.
In another surprising move, South Africa have left out spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who was the Player of the Series in their last Test assignment against Pakistan. Muthusamy’s omission raised eyebrows, given his recent form and effectiveness in subcontinental conditions.
Instead, the Proteas have chosen a more pace-heavy and all-rounder-oriented combination.
To compensate for Rabada’s absence, South Africa handed a spot to all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who joins fellow quick Marco Jansen in leading the pace attack. Jansen, known for his bounce and movement, will have increased responsibility in the absence of Rabada.
For spin duties, the visitors will rely on the experienced duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, who are expected to shoulder the bulk of the workload on what could become a turning track as the match progresses.
Also READ: India vs South Africa 2025 – Eden Gardens Pitch Report, Kolkata Weather Forecast for first Test
IND vs SA, 1st Test: Playing XI of both teams
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj.
