India vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win 1st Test Match on 14th November 2025?
The much-awaited India vs South Africa prediction for the first Test of the 2025 series is here, and cricket fans can expect a thrilling battle between two top-quality red-ball sides. The contest is set to begin on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the historic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, a venue known for its dramatic Test match moments.
India enters the series as the dominant home side, having won seven of their last eight Tests against South Africa on Indian soil. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India has shown a blend of aggressive intent and composure, winning their recent home series 2-0 against the West Indies. Their batting unit, led by in-form stars KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, has been remarkably consistent, while the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav adds immense depth to the bowling department.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, faces an uphill challenge in subcontinental conditions. The Proteas haven’t won a Test in India for over two tours and will need a special effort to change that. Their last series against Pakistan ended in a 1-1 draw, and despite a few positives — such as Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton’s form — they lack the experience required to dominate spin-friendly pitches.
The India vs South Africa Test match prediction leans heavily in favor of India, given their home advantage, strong record in Kolkata, and red-hot form in both batting and bowling departments. South Africa will need a near-perfect game plan to challenge the hosts.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs South Africa, 1st Test 2025 |
| Date | Friday, November 14, 2025 |
| Time | 9:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network & JioCinema |
India Team Preview
Team India has been in splendid Test form, especially at home, where they have built an impregnable fortress. Shubman Gill’s leadership has brought a refreshing balance of aggression and calmness to the side. Following their recent 2-0 victory over the West Indies, India will aim to dominate South Africa in Kolkata.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul form one of the most promising opening pairs in world cricket today. Jaiswal’s attacking approach complements Rahul’s stability, and both have crossed the 1,600-run mark in 2025. Gill, the team’s leading run-scorer this year, will bat at No. 3 and anchor the innings. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel add explosiveness to the middle order, while the lower middle order of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel ensures depth with both bat and ball.
On the bowling front, India’s strength lies in their variety. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack with early breakthroughs, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin will test the Proteas’ technique. The spin twins Jadeja and Axar Patel are expected to dominate the middle sessions.
India’s home record speaks volumes — relentless, disciplined, and dominant. If they maintain their composure, South Africa will struggle to pose any significant threat.
Key Players: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah
India Predicted Playing XI:
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa Team Preview
Temba Bavuma returns to captain South Africa after missing the Pakistan tour due to injury. The Proteas face a daunting task — India’s spin-friendly conditions have haunted them for years, and their batting lineup often crumbles under pressure on turning tracks.
At the top, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton will aim to provide a solid start. Markram’s recent form in away conditions has been encouraging, while Rickelton’s consistency gives South Africa hope. The middle order features Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, and Wiaan Mulder, who must anchor and rotate strike against India’s world-class spin attack. Kyle Verreynne provides wicketkeeping depth, while Tristan Stubbs can accelerate when needed.
The bowling attack, however, remains South Africa’s biggest challenge. Kagiso Rabada is the strike weapon, capable of unsettling India’s top order with pace and bounce. Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer will rely on drift and accuracy to exploit the pitch, while Wiaan Mulder’s all-round ability adds balance. Senuran Muthusamy provides additional spin depth.
The Proteas’ key to success lies in early wickets and disciplined batting partnerships. However, their track record in India — losing the last two Test series convincingly — doesn’t inspire confidence.
Key Players: Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Ryan Rickelton, Simon Harmer
Dream11 Prediction for Today India vs South Africa 1st Test
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| WK | Rishabh Pant | India |
| Batters | Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Aiden Markram | Both |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Wiaan Mulder, Washington Sundar | Both |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Kuldeep Yadav, Keshav Maharaj | Both |
Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja
Players to Avoid:
- Tony de Zorzi – Inconsistent against quality spin.
- Dhruv Jurel – Might bat lower and have fewer fantasy opportunities.
Fantasy Insight :
Pick players based on adaptability to Indian conditions. Gill is in elite form and perfect for the captaincy role, while Jadeja offers points in both departments. Bumrah and Rabada ensure early breakthroughs. Avoid inconsistent players like de Zorzi and Jurel, who may not contribute significantly. Focus on spin-friendly picks like Kuldeep and Maharaj for maximum returns.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
India enter this contest as the clear favorites. Their recent record at home — seven wins in the last eight matches against South Africa — speaks for itself. The side’s balance, depth, and familiarity with conditions make them nearly unbeatable in such scenarios. The batting order, anchored by Gill and Rahul, is firing on all cylinders, while bowlers like Bumrah and Jadeja thrive on home soil.
South Africa’s biggest hurdle will be tackling India’s spin attack. Despite having quality bowlers in Rabada and Maharaj, their batting lacks the technique to counter prolonged spells of spin and reverse swing.
Favourite Team: India
India Test History
| Total Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 596 | 185 | 186 | 224 | 1 |
India’s home dominance continues, especially with an impressive win ratio in recent Test series.
South Africa Test History
| Total Matches | Won | Lost | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 477 | 189 | 162 | 126 |
South Africa remains competitive but struggles in subcontinent conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches | India Won | South Africa Won | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 16 | 18 | 10 |
India and South Africa share a closely fought Test rivalry. However, in India, the hosts have dominated with 12 home victories compared to South Africa’s 3.
Also Check: India vs South Africa Head to Head in Test
Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens pitch traditionally offers early seam movement but turns sharply from Day 3 onwards. Batting is easiest during the first two days, while spinners dominate the latter half. Expect uneven bounce as the Test progresses, making fourth-innings chases difficult. Teams will aim to bat first and post 350+ runs to gain control.
Weather Report
Weather in Kolkata will be sunny and humid for the first three days, with temperatures ranging between 28–32°C. Slight cloud cover is expected on Days 4 and 5 but no significant rain threats.
Broadcast Details
Telecast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioCinema
Match Time: 9:30 AM IST
Toss Prediction
Toss Winner: South Africa
Decision: Bowl First
India vs South Africa Match Prediction (Final Verdict)
India’s combination of a world-class spin attack, consistent batting lineup, and home advantage makes them overwhelming favorites. South Africa will fight hard but are unlikely to overcome the odds.
Our Winner: India Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – IND vs SA 1st Test
Who will win the India vs South Africa 1st Test?
India are strong favorites due to home conditions and form.
Where will the match be played?
At Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Who is the captain of India for this Test series?
Shubman Gill.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kagiso Rabada.
What is the pitch condition at Eden Gardens?
Balanced early but assists spinners from Day 3 onward.
What is the toss prediction for this match?
South Africa to win the toss and bowl first.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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