The highly anticipated Test series between India and South Africa begins on November 14, 2025. Here is a detailed blog-style preview covering all the key aspects of the first match in Kolkata.

🏆 Series at a Glance: The Freedom Trophy

The Freedom Trophy is a two-match Test series that marks the beginning of a new cycle of the World Test Championship .

📅 Full Series Schedule

Match Dates Venue Start Time (IST)

1st Test Nov 14 - 18, 2025 Eden Gardens, Kolkata 9:30 AM

2nd Test Nov 22 - 26, 2025 Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati 9:30 AM

A unique scheduling change is in place for the Guwahati Test, where play will start 30 minutes early and the tea break will be taken before lunch due to early sunset in the region .

🏟️ Spotlight on Eden Gardens

The historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the first Test, returning as a Test venue after a six-year hiatus .

· India's Track Record: The venue has a rich history, having hosted 42 Tests involving India. The home team has a mixed record here, with 13 wins, 9 losses, and 20 draws .

· A Historic Ground: This stadium is also the site of South Africa's re-entry into international cricket back in 1991 .

⚔️ Teams & Expected Line-ups

Both teams have key storylines heading into the series.

· India's Expected XI: Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate all but confirmed India's playing XI. Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel will retain his spot despite Rishabh Pant's return from injury. Pant will play as a specialist batter and vice-captain, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy making way .

· India's Expected Team: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj .

· South Africa's Challenge & Strategy: South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, is confident in his team's potent spin attack of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy, believing they have the "armoury" to challenge India in their own conditions . Former captain Graeme Smith highlighted that countering Jasprit Bumrah and tackling Kagiso Rabada will be key for both sides .

🔍 Key Storylines to Follow

· A Battle of Champions: This series pits a strong Indian team at home against the current World Test Champions, South Africa .

· South Africa's Quest for History: The Proteas have won only one Test series in India, back in 2000. Coach Conrad believes this is their chance to create "history of their own" .

· Short Series Debate: Former player Faf du Plessis expressed that a two-Test series is a downside, believing a minimum of three matches are needed for a proper contest .

The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Kolkata. I hope this preview gives you a comprehensive look ahead of the first Test. Enjoy the match

Related Stories