CAB introduces special coin for toss featuring Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela for IND vs SA first test at Eden Gardens

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :November 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM

Modified at :November 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM

IND vs SA, India test team 2025, India vs South Africa

(Courtesy : BCCI)

The first IND vs SA test will start on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Indian Cricket Team and South Africa Cricket Team are pulling their socks up for a two-match test series. The first IND vs SA test will commence on November 14 (Friday) at Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. With game around the corner, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has introduced a special gold coin for the toss in the opening test.

The coin features Mahatma Gandhi on one side and Nelson Mandela on the other, symbolising the values of peace, freedom and non-violence. CAB President Sourav Ganguly informed that the coin was specially made for the series and will be used for the toss in the opening game.

The IND vs SA test series will be played for the Freedom Trophy, which is a tribute to Gandhi and Mandela. The trophy symbolises their shared legacy and the message of non-violence that both leaders spread across the world.

On the eve of the first test on November 13, CAB will host a Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture, where former India captain Sunil Gavaskar will deliver a keynote address. Players from both sides will attend the event, which will pay tributes to former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) President Dalmiya.

Rishabh Pant returns for the test series against South Africa

Rishabh Pant celebrates his ton in the second innings of Headingley test — Rishabh Pant. (Image Source: BCCI)

Meanwhile, India test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has returned for the test series against South Africa. Due to a foot injury, he was not part of the previous test series against the West Indies last month. However, he recently led India A in the unofficial test series against South Africa A, proving his match fitness to selectors.

On the other hand, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has returned to the test side after missing the previous series against Pakistan, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The test series against India will be South Africa’s second campaign in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

For India, it will be the third series in ICC WTC 2025-27. Previously, they won a test series against the West Indies 2-0, while their first assignment against England ended in a 2-2 draw.

On Sunday, Team India with captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir arrived in Kolkata to prepare for the first test. Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak inspected the pitch at Eden Gardens on Monday morning.

When and where will the first IND vs SA test take place?

The first IND vs SA test will start on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

How many test matches will be played between India and South Africa?

Two test matches will be played between India and South Africa.

Who will captain India in the test series against South Africa?

Shubman Gill will captain India in the test series against South Africa.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.