South Africa begin multi-format India tour as Shubman Gill and Temba Bavuma set for Test showdown

South Africa have arrived in India for their first comprehensive bilateral tour across all three formats in over three years, featuring two World Test Championship (WTC) matches, three One-Day Internationals, and five T20 Internationals.

Crucial WTC Clashes to Kick Off Tour

The tour begins with the Test series, starting at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22. South Africa last toured India for a Test series in October 2019, when the hosts secured a comprehensive 3-0 sweep. However, the Proteas return this time brimming with confidence as reigning WTC champions.

Balanced Squads for Both Sides

The Indian Test lineup, captained by Shubman Gill, features a blend of established stars and rising talent. Young prospects including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy feature alongside experienced regulars Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, also boast a formidable mix of seasoned campaigners and explosive youngsters. Their squad includes key figures Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, and Simon Harmer, alongside promising performers Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, and Wiaan Mulder.

Following the Test series, the two teams will contest three ODIs and five T20Is in what promises to be a high-stakes, action-packed tour across venues in India.