Cricket: Pant, Bavuma return - Talking points ahead of India vs South Africa Series
India vs. South Africa: Team news and key players
Both India and South Africa are coming into this series off the back of gruelling tours, with the Men in Blue returning from Australia, while the Proteas just completed a multi-format series in neighbouring Pakistan.
For India, this represents the next chapter in the Shubman Gill era, as the 26-year-old was announced as the team’s Test captain earlier this year before their tour to England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Don’t forget to check out our India vs. South Africa prediction ahead of the toss.
Gill has received plenty of praise for his composure as the team’s skipper, and his individual performances have been key to their success. In 39 Tests, he has scored 2,839, including 10 centuries and eight fifties, while averaging 43.
One of the biggest talking points in the lead-up to this first Test against South Africa is the return of Gill’s deputy, Rishabh Pant, who is set to step back into the national team setup for the first time since sustaining a foot injury against England.
India’s vice-captain has been immense in their middle order in recent years, averaging 44.5 in 47 Tests, a period during which he has scored 3,427 runs, including eight centuries and 18 fifties, as well as a highest score of 159.
South Africa, on the other hand, is looking forward to the return of Temba Bavuma, who has missed several months of action through injury. The Proteas’ Test captain played a solid innings of 59 against India A last week, helping the team chase down a massive 417 runs for victory.
2025-27 World Test Championship points on the line
Not only are bragging rights on the line in this series, but both India and South Africa will be looking to secure vital points in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
The Men in Blue are currently in third place in the WTC table with a points percentage of 61.90%, while the reigning champions South Africa are fourth with a points percentage of 50% after only managing a 1-1 draw against Pakistan last month.
Australia, who were beaten finalists in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, currently lead the standings with a perfect 100% record, while Sri Lanka are building toward a return to prominence, now in second place with 66.67%.
This will be the first time that India will host the Proteas in a Test series on home soil since 2019, and securing a positive result will be crucial for them to build up momentum for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the Aussies next year.
