Test cricket will return to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata after a six-year gap, when the Indian team takes on South Africa in the first game of a two-match series, starting on 14 November. The last Test match played at this venue was in 2019, when the inaugural pink ball match in the country took place between India and Bangladesh. India won that game.

Test cricket at Eden Gardens started in 1934, when India hosted England in a drawn encounter. Since then, this venue has hosted 42 Tests, with India winning 13 and losing nine. The remaining 20 matches ended in draws. The India vs South Africa Test series 2025 holds a special significance.

The Proteas have never won a Test series in India since 1999-2000, and this series gives the Temba Bavuma-led world Test champions the chance to turn the tables. To add to that, the IND vs SA Test series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with crucial points on the line.

How many Tests South Africa played in Kolkata?

Statistically, South Africa has played at the Eden Gardens only three times in its history, winning just one game and losing twice. The Proteas first played at Eden Gardens in 1996 when Gary Kirsten‘s twin hundreds powered the visitors to a mammoth 329-run win over the hosts.

The South Africans returned to Kolkata for the second time in 2004. In a riveting contest that went till the final day. Harbhajan Singh grabbed the limelight with his seven-wicket haul in the second innings, thus paving the way for India’s emphatic eight-wicket victory.

Who won India vs South Africa last time in Kolkata?

The last time South Africa played at the Eden Gardens was in 2010, 15 years ago. Opting to bat first, South Africa rode on hundreds from Alviro Petersen and Hashim Amla to post 296 in the first innings. India responded with four centuries from Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and then captain MS Dhoni to declare first innings at 643/6.

The game lasted until the final hour of the match on the fifth day, as South Africa were bowled out for 290 in their second innings, allowing India to win the game by an innings and 57 runs. Like in the first innings, Amla tried his best in the second innings too with another hundred, but lacked support.

For India, Harbhajan was the star of the game with eight wickets. It was the star off-spinner who took the final South African wicket with nine balls to spare in front of a packed stadium. The win also helped India take the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings for the first time in the longest format.