shot-button
BMC Elections 2026 BMC Elections 2026
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > IND vs SA 1st Test Shubman Gill speaks about Indias playing XI for series opener

IND vs SA 1st Test: Shubman Gill speaks about India's playing XI for series opener

Updated on: 13 November,2025 02:52 PM IST  |  Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent |

Shubman Gill said that more likely spinners will be preferred ahead of the pace bowlers as they play a crucial role in deciding the game. Further speaking, the skipper heaped praise on Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja by saying they have good records in India

IND vs SA 1st Test: Shubman Gill speaks about India's playing XI for series opener

Shubman Gill (Pic: File Pic)

Listen to this article
IND vs SA 1st Test: Shubman Gill speaks about India's playing XI for series opener
x
00:00

Ahead of the first Test match against South Africa, Team India skipper Shubman Gill said that the playing XI for the series opener will be decided considering the pitch conditions on the game day.

"It's always this time of the year, there is always a conflict if you want to go for an extra seamer or spinner. That's why we will see the condition tomorrow and decide on the XI," he said.


He also said that more likely spinners will be preferred ahead of the pace bowlers as they play a crucial role in deciding the game.



"It's more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game," added the skipper.

Further speaking, the skipper heaped praise on Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja by saying they have good records in India.

"It's more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game," said Gill during the pre-match press conference.

The first Test match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens from November 14.

When asked about the omission of Mohammed Shami for South Africa's Test series, Gill didn't express his opinion and simply said that selectors will be able to give better answers.

"Not many bowlers are of his quality. But the ones playing have done a terrific job. Sometimes it's difficult for players like Shami bhai to miss out. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that,"  said the 26-year-old cricketer.

IND vs SA Tests: Full Squads

India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK).

(With PTI Inputs)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

India vs South Africa test cricket india Team India south africa sports news cricket news

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK