India is set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series, with the first match scheduled to start on November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second Test will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, beginning on November 22.
The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has played two series in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, drawing 2-2 against England and completing a 2-0 clean sweep against the West Indies. The team will look to continue its impressive run against South Africa, the defending champions.
South Africa, on the other hand, is coming into the series after a two-match Test series in Pakistan, where they suffered a 93-run defeat in the first game but bounced back to draw the series with an eight-wicket victory in the second game. The team will be led by skipper Temba Bavuma, who has returned to the squad after an injury break.
The series marks the comeback of India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who had been on the sidelines since suffering a foot injury in July. South Africa will be looking to prove a point, as they have not won a Test series on Indian soil since 1999. The two teams have competed against each other 44 times in the format, with South Africa having 18 wins and India having 14.
The series is expected to be closely contested, with several key player battles to watch out for. One of the most interesting matchups will be between India’s KL Rahul and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Rahul has been in good form in recent Tests, while Rabada is known for his ability to provide early breakthroughs.
Another key battle will be between South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi and India’s Kuldeep Yadav. De Zorzi was the highest run-scorer in the series against Pakistan, while Yadav is expected to get a lot of assistance from the pitches in India.
The return of Rishabh Pant to international cricket will also be closely watched, particularly his matchup against South Africa’s Simon Harmer. Pant has been in good form in recent games, while Harmer was the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the series against Pakistan.
The series is expected to be a closely contested and exciting one, with both teams looking to prove their strength and skill. The matches will be played in front of a packed crowd, and the outcome is far from certain. With the teams having a lot to prove, the series is set to be an exciting one for cricket fans around the world.