WTC champions South Africa return to India after three-year gap for full tour, with Eden Gardens Test opener on November 14

After a gap of more than three years, South Africa are finally back in India — and this time they arrive as reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions, with a comprehensive tour of Tests, ODIs and T20Is on the schedule.

The last time the Proteas toured India for Test cricket was in October 2019, when they were swept 3-0 by a dominant Indian side. Since then, South Africa have rebuilt patiently, and their landmark WTC triumph has emboldened them ahead of what promises to be one of the most competitive away assignments in world cricket.

The schedule

The Test leg opens at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, before the series shifts to Guwahati for the second Test starting November 22. Once the red-ball campaign concludes, the two sides will lock horns in three ODIs and five T20Is, making this a long-awaited cricketing festival for fans across all formats.

India's blend of youth and experience

The Indian Test squad, led by Shubman Gill, balances youth and experience. Exciting talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been backed by seasoned performers including Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The squad's aim is clear: maintain India's dominance at home while nurturing the next generation of stars.

South Africa's WTC-winning core

South Africa, under WTC-winning captain Temba Bavuma, bring a mix of youth and seasoned campaigners to Indian shores. Key names include Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, alongside promising talents like Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder.

The Proteas will look to build on their WTC success, while India will be eager to assert their home dominance against a side brimming with confidence and ambition.

What to expect

With two teams at contrasting stages of transition — India blending a new-look batting order under Gill, and South Africa riding the momentum of a world title — the series promises competitive cricket across all three formats. Fans can expect thrilling contests, memorable performances and a showcase of world-class talent as the two sides clash in India after a long hiatus.