Senior Indian players Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah have arrived in Kolkata to begin early preparations for India’s upcoming home Test series against the South Africa national cricket team. Their arrival marks the start of the final phase of India’s red-ball season build-up, with the series set to begin later this month.
The duo landed in the city on Friday morning and headed straight to the Eden Gardens for light training and fitness sessions. Both players were recently rested from India’s limited-overs commitments following the T20I series against Australia, giving them time to recover and refocus on the traditional format. According to team sources, the Indian Test squad is expected to assemble fully in the coming week, with practice matches and skill camps lined up before the series opener.
Shubman Gill, who has recently cemented his position as a mainstay in India’s top order, will be key to India’s batting against South Africa’s formidable pace attack. After an uneven run in overseas Tests earlier this year, Gill is believed to have made technical adjustments under the guidance of batting coach Vikram Rathour. His performances at home — particularly in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy — showed his ability to anchor innings on slow, turning tracks, something India will rely upon again.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to full rhythm has been one of the brighter developments for India this season. The vice-captain is expected to spearhead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar. Sources within the team management indicated that Bumrah will work closely with bowling coach Paras Mhambrey during this preparatory camp to fine-tune his workload management, given the back-to-back Tests lined up through December. Bumrah’s control and leadership will be crucial in countering South Africa’s aggressive batting lineup that includes Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Temba Bavuma.
The Eden Gardens practice pitches have been specially prepared to simulate the balance expected during the Test series — moderate bounce with turn from day three onwards. The ground staff have created two red-soil tracks and one black-soil strip for different sessions, giving the bowlers and batters variety in preparation.
A member of the Bengal Cricket Association confirmed that the Indian team will conduct open practice sessions early next week, allowing local fans to witness their stars in action. “It’s always special when the Indian Test squad trains here. The facilities are world-class, and the conditions help players adapt quickly before big home series,” he said.
The South African team, led by Dean Elgar, is scheduled to arrive in India next week, with a three-day warm-up match planned in Nagpur before the Tests begin. The series will be significant for both teams in the World Test Championship standings — India currently sit third, while South Africa are just behind in fourth.
As Gill and Bumrah kicked off India’s preparations in Kolkata, the focus is clearly on building early momentum and ensuring India continue their dominant record in home Test series — a streak that now stretches back to 2012.
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