The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has unveiled a special gold coin for the toss of the first Test match between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens on 14 November. The coin features Mahatma Gandhi on one side and Nelson Mandela on the other, symbolizing the values of peace, freedom and non-violence. CAB president Sourav Ganguly revealed that the coin was specially made for the series and will be used during the draw ceremony.
The India vs South Africa Test series is once again being played for the Freedom Trophy, which was founded in honor of Gandhi and Mandela. The trophy celebrates their shared legacy and the message of non-violence that both leaders carried around the world.
The first Test will mark the return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens after six years and has generated huge interest among cricket fans. Tickets for the first three days are almost sold outwith 96,000 already gone and a total of 1.4 million tickets sold, according to CAB treasurer Sanjay Das.
The match will take place under increased security the recent blast near Red Fort in New Delhi. CAB and Kolkata Police have taken special measures to ensure the safety of players and spectators.
On the eve of the match, CAB will host the Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture on November 13. Sunil Gavaskar will deliver the keynote address, attended by cricketers from both sides. Dalmiya, who once headed both the BCCI and the ICC, is credited with transforming India into a world cricket powerhouse.
Team India arrived in the city on Sunday evening with captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir after completing their commitments in Australia on Saturday.
Gambhir inspected the Eden surface in the company of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Monday morning. Ganguly also inspected the wicket later in the day before the ground staff covered the entire square to protect it from dew and unexpected rain.
“Well, they haven’t asked yet. So I won’t be able to answer the question,” Ganguly said when asked if India was specifically looking for a diversion route.
“It looks like a very good goal.
South Africa head into the Test series as world champions after beating Australia in the World Test Championship final earlier this year. The Proteas played in Pakistan last month and secured a 1-1 draw in the two-match series.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 11, 2025
