Jurel to partner with returning Rishabh Pant as Kuldeep benches Axar

Before the T20 carnival sets us up leading to the T20 World Cup 2026, followed by the IPL 2026, let us concentrate on some red-ball action. As part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, India host South Africa for two Tests. The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is set to host the first Test, starting on November 14.

The Shubman Gill-led Test era at home started with a 2-0 cleansweep over the West Indies last month and now two high-quality Tests await. South Africa are no mugs even in Asian conditions, as they come after drawing a series away from home in Pakistan. They have quality spinners, with their head coach vying to stun the Men in Blue. Before the first Test, let us look at the Indian squad and analyse the playing XI.

Virtually a do-or-die for Sai Sudharsan

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul remain rock-solid members at the top of the order. Both are consistent run-getters in the format and would love to amass huge runs again. However, one player who will definitely be under pressure will be Sai Sudharsan, who is yet to seal the number three spot.

Despite playing 9 Test innings, Sudharsan still has just two fifties to his name. He averages 30 in the format, with his FC average still being below 40. Certainly he has tremendous talent but Sudharsan needs to muster huge runs at that spot. Yes, it takes time but India have no dearth of options. There are domestic performers racking up runs left, right and centre.

Pant returns, Jurel too good to ignore

The wicketkeeping dilemma in India’s Test setup seems finally resolved. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel will feature in India’s playing XI for the Kolkata Test. While Pant’s comeback after nearly 100 days has drawn all the attention, Jurel’s recent purple patch has made him impossible to overlook.

Ten Doeschate admitted that the management can’t leave Jurel out. “Given the way Dhruv’s gone in the last six months, scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he’s certain to play this week,” he said. The call effectively means India will field two wicketkeepers, with Pant returning as vice-captain and primary gloveman, and Jurel slotting in as a specialist batter.

The 24-year-old has been exceptional over the last few months, turning every outing into a statement. Since the start of the home season, Jurel has amassed 670 runs in eight innings at an average of 83.75, including three hundreds. His twin tons against South Africa A in Bangalore shows he’s earned this nod. Mind you, BCCI has already released Nitish Reddy from the squad, as he will play the three-game 50-over series against South Africa A.

Kuldeep ahead of Axar once again

The Eden pitch isn’t expected to be a rank turner, meaning India are unlikely to field a fourth spinner. With Ravindra Jadeja the primary all-rounder and Washington Sundar offering batting depth, Axar Patel is set to miss out again, with Kuldeep Yadav holding his place as the third spinner.

Axar last featured in a Test back in February 2024 against England but has since been used sparingly under Gautam Gambhir’s regime, often seen as a white-ball utility player. Sundar’s recent form and batting reliability have tilted the balance in his favour. Unless conditions dramatically favour spin, India are expected to go with Jadeja, Sundar, and Kuldeep as their spin trio.

Predicted India Playing XI for Kolkata Test

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• KL Rahul
• Sai Sudharsan
• Shubman Gill (C)
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Dhruv Jurel
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Washington Sundar
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj

On Bench: Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Devdutt Padikkal