South Africa Seek Rare Survival in India: Here’s How to Watch the 1st Test Live

The highly anticipated first Test match between India and South Africa commenced on November 14, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marking the opening clash of a two-Test series. Under overcast skies, India, captained by Shubman Gill, faced off against Temba Bavuma's South Africa in a day-night encounter starting at 9:30 a.m. IST following the toss at 9 a.m. This fixture underscores India's dominance at home, particularly in Test cricket, where the hosts have built a formidable record over the years. With the series poised to test both teams' preparations amid a packed international calendar, fans worldwide tuned in for what promises to be a tactical battle on a pitch known for its variable bounce and spin-friendly nature.

South Africa's challenging history on Indian soil adds intrigue to the contest, as the Proteas have managed to avoid defeat in just one of their last seven Test matches here—a rain-affected draw—while suffering comprehensive losses in the remaining six. The 2015-16 series saw a youthful Indian side dismantle the visitors on turning tracks, while in 2019-20, on more batsman-friendly surfaces, India's pace attack still prevailed convincingly over South Africa's spinners. Arriving after a hard-fought 1-1 series split against Pakistan, South Africa relies on a seasoned bowling unit featuring spinner Keshav Maharaj, off-spinner Simon Harmer—a veteran of the 2015-16 tour—and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy from the 2019-20 squad, with Kagiso Rabada leading the pace spearhead. This blend of experience aims to counter India's spin-heavy strategy.

India enters the match in high spirits following a clean sweep against the West Indies, bolstered by strategic squad decisions ahead of the series. Young wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel retains his spot despite Rishabh Pant's return from a fractured foot recovery, a call confirmed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, while all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was released to manage workload. The probable playing XI features Gill at the helm alongside openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, middle-order stalwarts B Sai Sudharsan and Pant, with a robust lower order including Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah supported by Mohammed Siraj. South Africa's lineup, meanwhile, hinges on Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs in the top order, with Kyle Verreynne as keeper and a balanced attack of Marco Jansen, Harmer, Maharaj, and Rabada.

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For viewers eager to catch the action, the match is broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India, with seamless streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website for mobile and desktop users. This accessibility ensures fans across the country can follow every boundary and wicket in real time, from the toss to the final ball on Day 5. As the series unfolds, this Test not only revives a storied rivalry but also serves as a crucial gauge for both teams' preparations ahead of future global assignments, highlighting the enduring appeal of Test cricket in an era dominated by shorter formats.

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