India face an interesting selection conundrum heading into the first Test against defending World Test Championship winners South Africa on Friday, November 14 at the Eden Gardens. With the wicket showing early signs of changeable behavior and conditions likely to affect the contest, the biggest question is whether India will stick to their trusted three-spin home formula or bring in another raider to challenge a strong South African batting line-up.
In the pre-match press conference, captain Shubman Gill admitted that the balance of the playing XI remains India’s biggest talking point. Acknowledging the depth of India’s all-rounders, he said the choice between an extra spinner or a seamer had created a real “conflict” in the team management.
IND vs SA, 1st Test: Preview
Shubman Gll’s Selection Dilemma
“We’re really lucky to have the quality all-rounders we do. They all have strong batting and bowling records, especially in Indian conditions. As a captain, it’s always difficult to decide who to leave out. But that’s a good problem to have. It’s an exciting Test,” Gill said.
He added that the wicket “looked different to yesterday” but claimed the spinners were still likely to affect the result. “It (the playing mix) is more or less complete. The wicket looks different from yesterday but the game will be more or less decided by the spinners.”
India’s spin group includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, all three offering bowling control and useful batting depth. Jadeja remains a guaranteed starter, while Kuldeep’s wicket-taking form and Sundar’s ability to extend the bat give India flexibility depending on the conditions.
Or will India pick three fast bowlers?
If India opts for a challenging combination, the third slot will become a straightforward contest. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are automatic selections and Gill confirmed that Akash Deep is the main contender to support them. The Bengal pacer impressed during the England series, swinging the ball consistently and showing control on home pitches.
Gill said the decision would depend on the surface on the morning of the test and the conditions overhead.
A Pant–Jurel combination is likely to appear
India Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate also hinted that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel could play together in the eleven, with the team open to a two-keeper combination if it helps achieve the ideal balance. With the release of Nitish Kumar Reddy to join India A for the South Africa A ODI series in Rajkot, the way has become even clearer for Jurel to claim the middle-order slot in the first Test.
Jurel’s inclusion could also affect Sai Sudharsan, who has given mixed performances in the same role. While Sudharsan has shown places of promise, Jurel has been consistently impressive for India A in the middle order, strengthening his case to step into that position if India want additional stability and control through the middle overs. Pants, fully fit, is expected to take over goalkeeping duties if both play.
IND vs SA, 1st Test: Predicted XI
India Predicted XI (3 spinners): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant (WK/VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
India Predicted XI (3 seamers): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant (WK/VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 13, 2025
