India vs South Africa, Kolkata Test: Decoding key player battles
What's the story
The India vs South Africa first Test match starts from November 14 onward at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The two teams play in a two-Test series which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. India will be keen to maintain their strong start to the ongoing WTC edition. Here we decode the key player battles ahead of the 1st Test.
#1
KL Rahul vs Kagiso Rabada
KL Rahul is closing in on 4,000 Test runs. The senior batsman had a productive tour of England and then delivered the goods against West Indies at home. Rahul will be tested upfront by SA speedster Kagiso Rabada, who will aim to purchase bounce. Rabada owns 340 Test scalps. As per ESPNcricinfo, across 11 innings, Rahul owns 96 runs against Rabada, being dismissed once.
#2
Rishabh Pant vs Keshav Maharaj
Rishabh Pant is making a return to international cricket since fracturing his foot in the 4th Test against England. He captained India A against SA-A recently and hit two fifties in the unofficial Tests. Pant, who is known for his aggression, will look to unsettle left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Across one Test inning, Pant scored 27 runs off Maharaj's bowling, having faced 20 balls.
#3
Aiden Markram vs Jasprit Bumrah
Across 10 matches (19 innings), Aiden Markram has amassed 373 runs against India at 19.63. Notably, the star Proteas opener will come up against Jasprit Bumrah, who will want to make the new ball talk. Interestingly, Markram has done well against Bumrah, scoring 99 runs from 12 innings at 49.50. The pacer has dismissed him twice.