The much-anticipated first cricket test between India and South Africa kicked off at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Friday, with South African captain Temba Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bat. This marks Kolkata’s first test match since 2019, when India faced Bangladesh in a day-night encounter. India’s strategy leaned heavily on spin, fielding four spinners, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, alongside left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, vice-captain Rishabh Pant returned to the playing XI after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England series. On the South African side, Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a rib injury, with medium-pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch stepping in. The Proteas opted for a dual-spin approach with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. The second test is scheduled to begin on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which will host a men’s test for the first time after being a venue for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Recent form suggests India enters the series with confidence, having defeated West Indies 2-0, with Yadav emerging as the leading bowler with 12 wickets. South Africa, meanwhile, drew their two-test series in Pakistan 1-1. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the World Test Championship.