Written By: Alex Maathai

In one of cricket’s most prestigious rivalries, the South Africa tour to India in 2025 promises a new and exciting chapter. Ahead of important ICC tournaments, both countries bring changing teams, fresh leadership, and strategic innovation. India, who are renowned for their supremacy at home, will depend on their potent batting lineup and spin strength to keep up their impressive record. In contrast, South Africa, whose current cricket style is characterized by pace, power and aggressive purpose, will aim to threaten India’s dominance.

South Africa tour of India 2025
Source: Mint

Young players like Dewald Brevis and Yashasvi Jaiswal provide vitality, while seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Kagiso Rabada contribute intensity and experience. In addition to drawing enormous audiences and international interest, the trip is expected to demonstrate cricket’s expanding influence on all continents. 

From Test matches to limited-overs matches, every game is anticipated to include thrilling moments and tactical mastery, transforming this tour from a mere athletic event into a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the dynamic connection between South Africa and India in cricket from a more modern standpoint.

1st Test Match Result & Highlights

The opening Test of the South Africa tour of India 2025 ended in a dramatic result at Eden Gardens. South Africa handled the tough, turning pitch better and defeated India by 30 runs on the third day. India had a small target to chase but couldn’t build partnerships, allowing South Africa to take an early lead in the series.

Key Match Details:

  • Winner: South Africa won by 30 runs
  • Match Duration: Finished on Day 3 (16 November)
  • Player of the Match: Simon Harmer (8 wickets in the match)
  • India’s Target: Needed 124 runs in the final innings
  • Final Result: India were bowled out for 93
  • Series Impact: South Africa lead the series 1–0

This Test set the tone for an exciting series, showing that South Africa arrived prepared to challenge India even in home conditions.

South Africa Tour of India 2025: Schedule

The South Africa tour of India 2025 has officially begun. The series features 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is across ten venues in India. The first Test in Kolkata has already finished, with South Africa taking an early lead.

Below is the full schedule with updated results.

FormatDate(s)Time (IST)VenueResult
1st Test14 Nov 2025 – 18 Nov 20259:30 AMEden Gardens, KolkataSouth Africa won by 30 runs
2nd Test22 Nov 2025 – 26 Nov 20259:30 AMBarsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
1st ODI30 Nov 20251:30 PMJSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
2nd ODI03 Dec 20251:30 PMShaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
3rd ODI06 Dec 20251:30 PMDr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA‑VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
1st T20I09 Dec 20257:00 PMBarabati Stadium, Cuttack
2nd T20I11 Dec 20257:00 PMMaharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
3rd T20I14 Dec 20257:00 PMHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
4th T20I17 Dec 20257:00 PMEkana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
5th T20I19 Dec 20257:00 PMNarendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

South Africa tour of India 2025 Squads

For the forthcoming two-Test series against India, South Africa has revealed their lineup, with skipper Temba Bavuma making his much-anticipated comeback to head the team. After recovering fully from a left calf injury that kept him out of the most recent series against Pakistan, Bavuma will once more lead the Proteas as they get ready for a difficult subcontinental tour.

Most of the players who participated in the most recent Pakistan Test series are included in the squad. South Africa showed tenacity by winning by eight wickets at Rawalpindi to even the series 1-1, even though they had lost the first Test match in Lahore.

South Africa will try to continue on their recent red-ball momentum with Bavuma back in charge, while India will want to establish their supremacy at home in what should be an exciting match. However, India is yet to announce the squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. Meanwhile, KL Rahu, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill will be part of the Test squad. At the same time, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return when the ODI series starts.

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

South Africa tour of India 2025: Head-to-Head

Below is the complete head-to-head record between India and South Africa across all three formats.

FormatMatches PlayedIndia WonSouth Africa WonDraw / No Result
Tests44161810 (Draws)
ODIs9440513 (No Result)
T20Is3118121 (No Result)

Where to watch the South Africa Tour of India 2025

You may watch live matches in India during the 2025 South Africa national cricket team’s visit to the India national cricket team, which is set from November 14 to December 19 and consists of two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is on the Star Sports network, which provides the television coverage. 

JioHotstar and other sites provide online streaming. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) official website allows you to monitor matches, results, videos, and statistics.

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Conclusion: South Africa Starts the Series with a Strong Win

The rivalry between South Africa and India in cricket has been marked by fierce competitiveness and excellent play in all formats. Although South Africa has dominated ODIs, India has dominated T20Is, and the Test competition is still well-matched.

The rivalry between the two teams is one of cricket’s most cherished because of their respect for one another and dedication to playing competitive cricket. Both sides have enhanced international cricket with a number of standout performances and games. 

About the Author

Alex Maathai is a Cape Town-based cricket analyst and former club-level player. With deep knowledge of domestic structures and Proteas history, he provides context-rich insights that connect today’s matches to South Africa’s cricket legacy.

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