No Rest for Team India: Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir Arrive in Kolkata to Begin Preparations for South Africa Tests

Barely 24 hours after wrapping up their limited-overs assignment in Australia, Team India’s red-ball squad has begun assembling in Kolkata ahead of the two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14.

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, along with senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir, were among the first to touch down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Sunday evening. Their early arrival signals India’s swift shift in focus from white-ball cricket to the longest format, with the World Test Championship (WTC) stakes higher than ever.

From Sydney to Kolkata: A Quick Turnaround

The Indian contingent flew directly from Brisbane via Sydney following the fifth and final T20I against Australia, which was abandoned due to rain on November 8. With virtually no downtime between formats, Gill and his men have had to adapt quickly to red-ball demands.

“There’s no time to relax,” a team source said. “The focus now is on maintaining intensity and building rhythm before the opening Test at Eden Gardens.”

India will begin full-fledged practice sessions from Tuesday, with players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel expected to join the camp by Monday evening. The two Tests are scheduled for November 14 in Kolkata and November 22 in Guwahati.

Pant’s Return Marks a Major Milestone

The upcoming series will see Rishabh Pant’s long-awaited return to Test cricket after nearly two years away due to a career-threatening injury sustained during the Manchester Test against England in 2023. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, now named vice-captain, has undergone extensive rehabilitation and recently led India A against South Africa A, where his composed 90-run knock reaffirmed his readiness.

Pant’s return adds depth and balance to India’s middle order, while his presence behind the stumps is expected to provide stability to a squad led by the young and determined Shubman Gill.

Gambhir’s Leadership from the Dugout

The Test series will also mark Gautam Gambhir’s first home assignment as India’s head coach in the longest format. Known for his disciplined, aggressive approach, Gambhir is expected to bring renewed structure and focus to India’s Test setup.

Having guided the T20 side to a 2–1 win in Australia, Gambhir now faces a different challenge — ensuring India continues its dominance at home while maintaining consistency in the ongoing WTC cycle.

India’s WTC Stakes: Every Match Matters

India currently sits comfortably in the top half of the World Test Championship table, having drawn 2–2 in England and swept the West Indies earlier this year. However, with Australia and South Africa close on points, every Test holds major implications for qualification.

This series could prove decisive in maintaining India’s advantage before tougher overseas tours in 2026. The home advantage at Eden Gardens and Barsapara Stadium could prove crucial as India seeks maximum WTC points.

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The India–South Africa Test rivalry remains one of the most competitive in modern cricket. Their last series, played across December 2023–January 2024, ended in a 1–1 draw, with India winning in Cape Town after a defeat in Centurion.

The Proteas’ last tour of India in 2019 saw them suffer a 3–0 whitewash, with India’s pace attack and top-order dominance setting the tone. With Gill now leading and Gambhir at the helm, India will aim to extend that legacy.

The Road Ahead

As the players regroup under the lights of Eden Gardens, the mood in the camp is one of quiet determination. For Shubman Gill, this is more than just a series — it’s his first major challenge as India’s full-time Test captain. For Gambhir, it’s an opportunity to stamp his vision on a format that has always defined India’s cricketing identity.

The first ball of the India vs South Africa Test series will be bowled on November 14 in Kolkata, and for this new-look Indian side, the message is clear: no rest, no excuses — just cricketing excellence.