The first match of the Test series between India and South Africa begins today, Friday, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat. This is the first Test at this venue since 2019, when India defeated Bangladesh in the Pink Ball Test. India have included Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, while Sai Sudarshan has missed out.
For the first time in Indias 93-year Test history, six left-handed batsmen are part of the playing XI. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Shubman Gill becomes the first Indian captain to field a Test XI with six left-handers. India played its first Test match against England at Lords in 1932.
India have previously fielded five left-handed batsmen in a Test XI on three occasions, all earlier this year - once against England in Manchester and twice against the West Indies in Ahmedabad and Delhi.