Four key Indian players landed in Kolkata on Sunday evening to begin preparations for the Test series against South Africa starting Friday. Captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel flew directly from Brisbane after the rain-washed final T20I against Australia.​

Direct Arrival from Australia

The quartet made the trip straight from Brisbane to Kolkata, where they checked in on Sunday evening. A local team manager confirmed to PTI: "Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel will fly directly to Kolkata from Brisbane. They are expected to check in by evening."​

The fifth and final T20I at Brisbane’s Gabba was abandoned after a storm swept across the ground on Saturday. India’s openers Shubman Gill (29 not out) and Abhishek Sharma (23 not out) had put on a brisk 52-run stand in just under five overs before rain halted play. Suryakumar Yadav’s side finished as 2-1 series winners.​

South Africa Squad Also Arrives

The entire South African contingent also checked into Kolkata on Sunday. With both teams now in the city, preparations can begin in earnest for the opening Test at Eden Gardens starting November 14.​

The reigning World Test Championship holders arrived ready for a challenging tour. South Africa historically struggle in India, losing their last two Test series here in 2015 and 2019 by identical 3-0 margins.​

Remaining Players to Arrive Monday

The rest of India’s Test squad is expected to arrive in batches on Monday. Training is scheduled to begin from Tuesday, giving the team three full days to prepare at Eden Gardens before the first ball is bowled on Friday morning.​

Key players yet to arrive include vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who returns from a toe injury, and star batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, along with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, will also join the squad Monday.​

India’s Squad and Leadership

Shubman Gill leads India for the first time in a home Test series, replacing the retired Rohit Sharma. At 25, he becomes one of India’s youngest Test captains in recent years. Rishabh Pant serves as vice-captain, returning after missing time with injury.​

The 15-member squad includes young talents like Dhruv Jurel, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal alongside experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. India have opted for a spin-heavy attack with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav all included.​

Two-Match Series Details

The first Test runs from November 14-18 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with play starting at 9:30 AM IST. The second Test takes place at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22-26, also beginning at 9:30 AM IST.​

For the first time in India, a modified break structure will be used. A 20-minute tea break follows the first session, while lunch after the second session lasts 40 minutes. Session timings are: 9:30-11:30 AM (first session), 11:50 AM-1:50 PM (second session), and 2:30-4:30 PM (third session).​

The Guwahati Test will be historic—it’s the first Test match ever to be played in the northeastern city, making Barsapara Stadium the 30th venue to host Test cricket in India.​

World Test Championship Context

Both matches count toward the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. India began this cycle with a 2-2 draw against England away from home and a clean sweep over the West Indies at home last month.​

South Africa enter as reigning WTC champions after defeating Australia in the final in June 2025. They’ll be confident despite their poor record in India, knowing the hosts are in transition following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.​

South Africa’s Challenge

Temba Bavuma leads a 15-member South African squad featuring quality fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, along with spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Batters Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs will need big performances to challenge India’s strong bowling attack.​

Indian pitches traditionally favor spin, which could test South Africa’s adaptability. However, with India fielding a young batting lineup and new captain, the Proteas have a rare opportunity to make history on subcontinental soil.​

Broadcast Details

Fans can watch the series live on the JioHotstar app and website. With structured tea breaks being introduced for the first time in Indian Test cricket and a team in transition, the series promises compelling action.​

India will aim to assert their home dominance once again, while South Africa look to capitalize on this chance to challenge one of the format’s strongest sides in their own backyard.