As India prepares to face South Africa in the opening Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, captain Shubman Gill highlighted the pivotal role spinners are expected to play in determining the outcome of the match. The pitch at Eden Gardens is anticipated to favor batsmen during the initial days of the Test, which begins on Friday, before gradually assisting spin from the third day onward. However, Gill noted that early morning moisture could provide opportunities for fast bowlers to make an impact. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, India will rely on their ability to exploit reverse swing. ‘Generally, fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening,’ Gill remarked during a pre-match press conference. ‘But in India, spinners usually decide the game. The better the quality of your spin attack, the higher your chances of winning.’ India’s spin arsenal includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering a variety of options for the team. Gill also reflected on India’s recent Test performances, including a 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. A series win against South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, would significantly bolster India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ‘These two Tests are crucial for our WTC ambitions,’ Gill emphasized. The 26-year-old captain, who excels across all three formats, acknowledged the mental challenges of leading the team but expressed confidence in his physical readiness. ‘It’s a good challenge and a learning curve for me,’ he concluded.