India vs South Africa The 1st Test match will begin on 14 November 2025 at Kolkata’s twin Eden Gardens, marking a significant return of Test cricket to this historic venue after six years. India will lead Shubman Gillwith a strong squad that includes experienced players like Rishabh pants (Vice-Captain and Wicketeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrahand to the likes of talent Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv jurel. South Africa, led Temba BavumaA meter with a balanced side, including a PACE spear Kagiso rabadasuch as comprehensive ones Wian Mulderand spinner Simon’s appearance and Keshav Maharaj.
Both the teams have carefully prepared keeping in mind the trend of spinners in the game reflected in the team selections with multiple front spinners on both sides. The match promises to be a tactical duel in a land that has historically witnessed test cricket moments.
Best Wicket Takers at Eden Gardens in Tests: India and South Africa
Historically, several bowlers from both India and South Africa have been big in Eden Gardens. Among Indian bowlers, Harbhajan Singh He leads the list with 46 wickets in 7 matches at 21.76 at 7 and an economy of 2.41. Best shot performance here 7/87. Anil Kumbul Known for his impressive spells at this venue with the best batting figures at this venue, this is 7/63 with 40 wickets after 40 matches from 8 matches. Among the Pacers, Muhammad Shami Shows impressive strike rates and economy in 23 matches in 4 matches. These bowlers have historically exploited the Eden Gardens pitch effectively for same and seam bowling.
Best wicket takers at Eden Gardens (India)
| Player | Span | Lay down | Hotelier | Ball | Overs | Mdns | Escape | Chewing gum | Bbi | Plug | Econ | Sr | 4W | 5w | 10W |
| Harbhajan Singh | 1999-2010 | to 7 | Scorpio | 2491 | 415.1 | 103 | 1001 | 46 | 7/87 | 21.76 | 2.41 | 54.15 | – | Scorpio | 1 |
| Anil Kumbul | 1993-2007 | Scorpio | 15 | 2954 | 492.2 | 129 | 1233 | 40 | 7/63 | 30.82 | 2.50 | 73.85 | – | 2nd | 1 |
| Muhammad Shami | 2013-2019 | to 4 | Scorpio | 725 | 120.5 | Scorpio | 446 | 23 | 5/47 | 19.39 | 3.69 | 31.52 | 2nd | 1 | – |
On the South African side, Lance Klusener Stands out with 8 wickets from just 1 match including a remarkable 8/64 at Eden Gardens. Ntini houses and Allan Donald With 5 and 3 wickets here, they have limited their work to limited overs, often using pace and reverse swing to challenge the Indian batting. South Africa’s Spin Arsenal with the likes of Keshav and Harmer will be crucial in this Test as they look to spin in the later stages.
Best Wicket Takers at Eden Gardens (South Africa)
| Player | Span | Lay down | Hotelier | Ball | Overs | Mdns | Escape | Chewing gum | Bbi | Plug | Econ | Sr | 4W | 5w | 10W |
| Lance Klusener | 1996-1996 | 1 | 2nd | 213 | 35.3 | Scorpio | 139 | Scorpio | 8/64 | 17.37 | 3.91 | 26.62 | – | 1 | – |
| Ntini houses | 2004-2004 | 1 | 2nd | 288 | 48.0 | Scorpio | 123 | Scorpio | 4/112 | 24.60 | 2.56 | 57.60 | 1 | – | – |
| Allan Donald | 1996-1996 | 1 | 1 | 128 | 21.2 | to 4 | 72 | 3rd | 3/72 | 24.00 | 3.37 | 42.66 | – | – | – |
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Best runners at Eden Gardens in Tests for India and South Africa
In terms of batting, Plumbing Laxman He is the longest running Indian run-scorer with 1,217 runs in 10 matches at 110.63 including 5 centuries and 3 fifties at 310.63. Rahul Dravid With 962 runs at 962 in 962 runs at 68.71 at 962, the place is known for its solid technique and temperament. Sachin TendulkarContributions cannot be overlooked as he scored 872 runs in 13 matches in both matches at 246 at an average of 45.89, reflecting this historic stadium.
Top 5 Jogging in Eden Gardens (India)
| Player | Span | Lay down | Hotelier | Nope | Escape | Hs | Plug | Bf | Sr | 100 | Scorpio | 0 | 4p | until 6 |
| Plumbing Laxman | 1996-2011 | Scorpio | 15 | to 4 | 1217 | 281 | 110.63 | 2192 | 55.52 | Scorpio | 3rd | 1 | 158 | 1 |
| Rahul Dravid | 1996-2011 | Scorpio | 16 | 2nd | 962 | 180 | 68.71 | 2138 | 44.99 | to 4 | 3rd | 0 | 109 | 3rd |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1993-2013 | Scorpio | 21 | 2nd | 872 | 176 | 45.89 | 1610 | 54.16 | 2nd | Scorpio | 1 | 130 | 3rd |
For South Africa, Hashim Amla 263 runs from 2 matches, leading a high score of 63* and an amazing average of 5.66. Gary KirstenA memorable 235 runs in one match, including an innings of 133 runs, highlighted his dominance on Indian pitches. Jack dearone of the best all-rounders at Eden Gardens, with an average of 50-plus in 2, 206 in 2 matches with an average of 50-plus with the South African innings under pressure.
Top 5 Jogging in Eden Gardens (South Africa)
| Player | Span | Lay down | Hotelier | Nope | Escape | Hs | Plug | Bf | Sr | 100 | Scorpio | 0 | 4p | until 6 |
| Hashim Amla | 2004-2010 | 2nd | to 4 | 1 | 263 | 123 * | 87.66 | 629 | 41.81 | 2nd | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 |
| Gary Kirsten | 1996-1996 | 1 | 2nd | 0 | 235 | 133 | 117.50 | 366 | 64.20 | 2nd | 0 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Jack dear | 2004-2010 | 2nd | to 4 | 0 | 206 | 121 | 51.50 | 430 | 47.90 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 20th year | 0 |
The upcoming 1st Test is pivotal for both teams as they aim to set the tone for the series. A battle between top-class batters and high-impact boxers on a ground known for its tough but fair conditions promises a contest known for its amazing occasions.
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