IND vs SA Playing XIs: South Africa opt to bat first in Kolkata, Rishabh Pant makes his return
India and South Africa take on each other in the first Test of the ongoing multi-format series. The first Test began with South Africa winning the toss and opting to bat first. Let us have a look at the playing XIs for the two sides.

India and South Africa are all set to lock horns in the first Test of the ongoing multi-format series. The two sides take on each other at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14. The clash began with South Africa winning the toss and opting to bat first.
The two skippers came forward and revealed their playing XIs for the game. The Indian team will take the field without Nitish Reddy and Sai Sudharsan. In Reddy's place, Rishabh Pant will feature for the hosts. Whereas, Washington Sundar is named as the number three for the side.
Furthermore, Rishabh Pant makes his return to the side alongside Axar Patel, who has been named in the side as well. India takes the field with four spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar.
Temba Bavuma speaks at the toss
Shubman Gill lost yet another toss as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first in Kolkata. He talked about the Proteas’ preparation for the game, reflecting on their recent series in Pakistan as well.
“We will have a bat. The boys came back from Pakistan. Preparation-wise, we've done as best as we can. Looking forward to the challenge. We need to keep doing what we do. The pitch looks dry, runs in the first innings will be the key. Kagiso misses out, Corbin comes in,” Temba Bavums said at the toss.
Playing XIs:
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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