Temba Bavuma Joins South Africa Squad in Kolkata Ahead of India Test Series

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma joined his team in Kolkata on Monday morning, completing the full squad for the first Test against India at Eden Gardens on Friday, November 14. Bavuma, who recently played for South Africa ‘A’ against India A in Bengaluru, was the last to join. The rest of the team, including coach Shukri Conrad, fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen and players returning from the Pakistan white-ball series, had arrived on Sunday.

Bavuma missed the beginning of South Africa’s World Test Championship in Pakistan due to a calf injury but returned to cricket through the ‘A’ series. His presence boosts the team’s batting and adds leadership as South Africa looks to start strong in the two-Test series against India.

Bavuma and Key Players Arrive in Kolkata

"Bavuma, along with another player and a few officials, reached Kolkata from Bengaluru this morning. Most of the team, including the head coach had already arrived on Sunday. South Africa now have their full squad here. There is no practice scheduled at Eden today, and both teams are expected to have their first training session on Tuesday," Proteas’ local manager told PTI.

Bavuma scored 59 off 101 balls in the second innings of the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru helping South Africa ‘A’ win by five wickets and level the series 1-1. His calm innings showed he is ready for the Test series against India. Middle-order batter Zubayr Hamza, who scored 77 in the final game and handles spin well has also joined the main squad.

Indian Players Arrive in Kolkata Ahead of First Test

On the Indian side, the first group, including captain Shubman Gill, coach Gautam Gambhir, Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, arrived in Kolkata late Sunday after the Australia limited-overs tour. The rest, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, are expected soon. Both teams will start their first practice at Eden Gardens on Tuesday ahead of the opening Test on Friday.