The South African senior men's cricket team will now begin their Test campaign at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, rather than the originally scheduled Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
This adjustment is part of the updated international home calendar announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and it places South Africa in the spotlight at one of cricket’s most iconic venues, known for its massive crowds and electric atmosphere.
The first Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to start on November 14, 2025, marking the beginning of the IDFC First Bank Test Series. The Proteas, who last played a Test at Eden Gardens in 2010, will be eager to make a strong statement as they continue to rebuild their red-ball credentials under the leadership of a new generation of stars.
In addition to the senior tour, South Africa A will also embark on a significant visit to India. Their itinerary includes two multi-day matches and three one-day games against India A - crucial fixtures for fringe Proteas players to push their case for national selection. The red-ball encounters will remain at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, while the one-dayers have been shifted to the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
The timing of the A team tour, beginning October 30, 2025, means the Proteas will have vital representation in Indian conditions just ahead of the senior team's Test series - a strategic opportunity for South African selectors and coaching staff to assess depth and adaptability in the subcontinent.
This tour, featuring both the senior and A teams, offers South African cricket a rare dual platform to assert itself on the international stage, develop talent, and strengthen its overseas credentials - particularly in the challenging Indian environment where success has been historically elusive.
With the venue switch to Eden Gardens, anticipation now builds for a marquee clash in front of one of the most passionate cricket crowds in the world - a setting befitting the enduring rivalry between India and South Africa.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad hopes his team's stunning victory at Lord's in the World Test Championship final inspires South Africans to fall in love with the longest format of cricket again.
Aiden Markram believes South Africa's victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final has finally laid to rest the long-standing "chokers" tag - and hopes the Proteas' triumph can inspire a new generation to prioritise Test cricket.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald believes batter Marnus Labuschagne has a big role to play for the Baggy Greens but conceded he has had a tough time of things over the past couple of seasons.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Proteas on winning the International Cricket Council's Test Championship against Australia.
