India vs South Africa Dream11 Prediction – 1st Test, South Africa Tour of India 2025
The first Test of the series between India national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team begins on 14 November 2025 at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This two-match affair forms part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship and offers a high-stakes contest. India arrive, captained by Shubman Gill, with solid home form; South Africa, under Temba Bavuma, come as reigning Test champions with pace and spin weapons.
Conditions in Kolkata typically favour batting early, with the pitch expected to offer turn and some assistance to spinners as the match progresses. South Africa will aim to start strongly, knowing that slow starts in India allow home side to dominate.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, 14 November 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Format: Test (5 days)
- Series: South Africa Tour of India 2025 – 1st Test
Team Previews
India
India’s squad boasts a blend of youth and experience. Key batters like Shubman Gill and wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant provide depth. The bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in pace, and spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the spin department, give India strong options at home.
India will look to bat positively, build a large first-innings total, and then exploit Indian conditions via spin and disciplined bowling.
South Africa
South Africa bring a strong bowling lineup with pace spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and spin support from Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Although they haven’t won a Test series in India for decades, their confidence is high after recent success. Their batting will need to negotiate India’s spinners and make big inspired starts.
Probable XIs (Tentative)
India – Probable XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
South Africa – Probable XI
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Kyle Verreynne
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Corbin Bosch
- Simon Harmer
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
Top Fantasy Picks
| Player | Why Pick |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Captain, strong run-making form; looks in prime batting touch |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicket-keeper batter; dual role maximises fantasy value |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Spin all-rounder; contributes with bat and ball |
| Kagiso Rabada | Lead pacer for SA; early wickets expected in Indian opening sessions |
| Keshav Maharaj | Left-arm spinner in Indian conditions; excellent fantasy differential |
| Sai Sudharsan | In-form young Indian batter; potential breakout in this Test |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain (2× points): Shubman Gill or Ravindra Jadeja
- Vice-Captain (1.5× points): Rishabh Pant or Keshav Maharaj
Match Prediction
India, playing at home and with favourable conditions, are marginal favourites to win the 1st Test. The key for South Africa will be to bat deep, avoid early collapse, and make use of their pace-spin balance. If India bat first and score heavily, they will be in control.
Prediction: India to win the 1st Test.
Fantasy Tips
- Prioritise top-order batters and spinners: spinners will play a major role as the match unfolds.
- Include at least one wicket-keeper batter (such as Rishabh Pant) for extra value.
- All-rounders (such as Jadeja) boost fantasy returns across departments.
- Balanced team split: ~7 players from India, ~4 from South Africa to capture favourite side while including high-ceiling differentials.
Conclusion
The India vs South Africa 1st Test promises high-quality cricket, strategic battles and fantasy opportunities. Focus on key players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj. India hold a slight edge, but South Africa’s bowling attack and fresh mindset mean they cannot be underestimated.
