After a brilliant T20I series victory in Australia, the Indian men’s cricket team is now ready to host reigning World Test Championship (WTC) holders South Africa in a two-match Test series, starting at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14.

The upcoming two-match Test series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27. 

Led by our talismanic captain Shubman Gill, India will aim to bag crucial home points with eyes on the top 2 spot in order to secure qualification for the ​​WTC 2027 final scheduled to be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2027.

Having drawn 2-2 in England and swept West Indies 2-0 at home, India are currently placed third in the WTC 2025-27 standings with a points percentage of 61.90.

Apart from Shubman, our dashing southpaw Sai Sudharsan, star all-rounder Washington Sundar and bowling spearhead Mohammed Siraj are the other Titans included in India’s 15-man Test squad.

India have also received a massive boost with the return of their flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who has recovered since suffering a fractured left foot during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July.

The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are the other batting options in the squad.

All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington will play a key role in providing balance to the hosts’ line-up.

Pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead India’s bowling department. Akash Deep is the other fast bowler in the squad, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav can be a key weapon against the Proteas in spin-friendly conditions.

All eyes will once again be on India’s Test captain Gill, who has been the leading run-scorer in the WTC 2025-27. The Titans skipper has already amassed 946 runs in seven matches at an average of 78.83, with five centuries and one fifty.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ Siraj is currently the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC. The 31-year-old right-arm pacer has already picked up 33 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 26.54, comprising two five-wicket hauls to his name.

On the other hand, defending WTC champions South Africa will be led by their captain Temba Bavuma.

With one win and one loss against Pakistan, the Proteas are placed fifth in the WTC 2025-27 standings.

Following the first Test in Kolkata, the two teams will later travel to Guwahati to play the second game scheduled at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium from November 22. 

India vs South Africa head-to-head record in Tests

India and South Africa have squared off in 44 matches in Test cricket. India have won 16 Tests, while the Proteas have 18 wins so far. As many as 10 Tests have ended in draws. 

However, India have a superior head-to-head record against the Proteas in Test cricket at home. The hosts have won 11 of the 19 Tests, while South Africa have registered five wins. A total of three Tests have ended in draws. 

The last time these two sides met in the longest format, a two-match Test series ended 1-1 in South Africa in January 2024.

India vs South Africa Test series 2025 schedule and live match start times

All times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Day and Date	Match	Venue	Time (IST)
Friday, November 14 - Tuesday, November 18	India vs South Africa, 1st Test	Eden Gardens, Kolkata	09:30 AM
Saturday, November 22 - Wednesday, November 26	India vs South Africa, 2nd Test	Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati	09:00 AM

India vs South Africa Test series 2025 squads

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

South Africa’s Test squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), 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 (wicket-keeper), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper)

Where to watch India vs South Africa Test series 2025 live

The India vs South Africa Tests 2025 will be telecast live on Star Sports Network TV channels. 

Live streaming of the IND vs SA Tests 2025 will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.