By Admin 
IND VS SA: Now the real competition is about to begin in the new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens ground will witness a high-voltage two-Test series between India and defending champions South Africa from November 14. The second match of this series will be played in Guwahati from 21st November. This clash between the two teams will not just be a Test series, but a ‘battle’ that will decide the direction of the next WTC final.
Do or die situation for India
The Indian team is currently at third place in the points table. India’s points percentage is around 61.90 percent, after the 2-2 draw against England and 2-0 win over West Indies, Team India’s confidence is at its peak. Shubman Gill (946 runs) has remained India’s most reliable batsman so far, while Mohammad Siraj (33 wickets) has proved to be the backbone of the team in bowling.
Africa eyes second consecutive final
On the other hand, current champion South Africa would like to win this series at any cost. The team, which is at fourth position with 50 percent marks, aims to strengthen its position in the race for the finals with this victory. Captain Tony DeGeorge (175 runs) and off-spinner Simon Harmer (13 wickets) will be the main players of the team. The fast pace of African bowlers can prove to be a big challenge for the Indian batsmen.
Pitch and conditions will help the spinners
The Eden Gardens pitch is generally considered a batsman’s paradise, but as the game progresses, the spinners will get help. In such a situation, all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Akshar Patel can play an important role. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and young fast bowler Akash Deep will trouble the opponents with the new ball.
The way forward for India
This series is not just a match for India, but a turning point in the race for WTC. The next home series is against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, but before that India would like to strengthen its position by defeating South Africa.
When both the teams face each other at Eden Gardens, it will not be just a battle of runs and wickets. This will be a fight for prestige. Now it remains to be seen which team takes a step forward in the race for the next WTC final, India or South Africa?