Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) It's been a quarter of a century since South Africa last clinched a Test series victory on Indian soil. This time, they return with a fresh sense of confidence, seasoned experience, and a strong desire to break one of the longest winless streaks in international cricket. The reigning World Test Championship champions, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, will kick off their 2025-26 tour at Eden Gardens on Friday, with the goal of becoming only the second visiting team since 2012 to claim a series win in India.

The challenges of Test cricket are apparent, especially in India, where even the champions have found it difficult to compete. South Africa has lost six out of their last seven Tests in the country, with only a rain-interrupted match preventing a complete washout.

Throughout their history in India, the Proteas have faced difficulties across various conditions. During the 2015-16 series, a youthful Indian team outperformed them on turning pitches that India had requested.

In 2019-20, South Africa faced another defeat, this time on batting-friendly surfaces that offered little assistance to spinners. India's spinners averaged 27.18 during that series, while their fast bowlers were even more remarkable, averaging just 17.50.

This series, however, sees South Africa fielding a more experienced lineup. Keshav Maharaj, who was the lead spinner during their last tour, returns as a key figure in the bowling attack. Simon Harmer, who participated in the 2015-16 series, is also back, joined by Senuran Muthusamy and the reliable Kagiso Rabada.

On the other hand, India is undergoing a transition phase. A surprising home defeat to New Zealand last year revealed some vulnerabilities, despite bouncing back to sweep the West Indies earlier this season. Currently positioned third in the World Test Championship standings after a 2-2 draw against England and a 2-0 victory over the West Indies, India faces a confident opponent that recently drew 1-1 in Pakistan as they kick off their title defense.

With 60 Tests under his belt, Maharaj ranks second only to Ravindra Jadeja among left-arm spinners globally. Anticipating limited assistance for both seam and turning deliveries, he will need to deliver long spells, balancing control and taking wickets.

India's new Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has been busy juggling formats and continents since September. Between the T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, Tests in the West Indies, ODIs in Australia, and T20Is at home, he has had little time to rest. His ability to adapt back to the rhythm of Test cricket will be vital.

India is expected to field both Rishabh Pant, now fully recovered, and Dhruv Jurel, who retains his spot as a specialist batter. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an allrounder, has been released to the India A squad, while the rest of the starting eleven remains unchanged.

South Africa is likely to maintain the lineup that triumphed over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Captain Bavuma is set to replace Dewald Brevis, and Marco Jansen is anticipated to come in for Wiaan Mulder, with reverse swing expected to play a significant role instead of conventional seam movement.

Initial observations indicate a favorable batting surface at Eden Gardens, which has minimal grass and the potential for reverse swing as the match progresses. The pitch isn't expected to be excessively dry or cracked, but the toss — always crucial in India — could be decisive.

Gill has managed only one toss win across seven Tests as captain, while South Africa has not won the toss in their last seven Tests in India. One of these streaks will be broken come Friday. Kyle Verreynne is just five dismissals away from becoming the fifth South African wicketkeeper to reach 100 Test dismissals.

Ravindra Jadeja is merely ten runs shy of becoming the fourth player in history to achieve the impressive double of 300 wickets and 4000 runs in Test cricket.

India's Test squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

South Africa's Test squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Where to watch the India vs South Africa Test series 2025 live?

The India vs South Africa Tests 2025 will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be accessible on the JioHotstar app and website in India.