Explained: Why India vs South Africa test series have only two matches?

India vs South Africa test series will begin on November 14 with the opening game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The stage is all set for the two-match test series between Indian Cricket Team and South Africa Cricket Team, which will commence on November 14 with the opening game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The second clash will take place at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting November 22. Following the test-led, the two teams will lock horns in three ODIs and five T20Is.

For India, the test series against South Africa is their third campaign in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. Last month, they bagged a 2-0 clean sweep against the West Indies. Earlier in August, their five-match test series against England ended in a 2-2 draw. With a win percentage (PCT) of 61.90, the Shubman Gill-led side grab the third spot in ICC WTC 2025-27 points table.

For South Africa, this will be their second test series in ICC WTC 2025-27. Last month, their two-match test series against Pakistan ended in a 1-1 draw. With a PCT of 50.0, Proteas occupy the fifth spot in the ICC WTC 2025-27 points table.

Why India vs South Africa test series consist of only two matches?

South Africa are the defending champions of ICC WTC as they crushed Australia in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final earlier this year. Notably, South Africa are known to play only two-match test series against most teams.

The test series against India will be their 10th consecutive two-match series. As of now, the Proteas play a three-match test series only against Australia and England. On the other hand, India play a five-match test series against Australia and England.

Unfortunately, only rich cricket boards like India, Australia, and England are going forward with longer test campaigns. For the rest countries, a two-match test series is enough to fulfil the requirement of a test cycle. Therefore, teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, New Zealand and Pakistan mostly play two-match series.

Meanwhile, captain Temba Bavuma will be back to lead South Africa in the test series against India. He missed the previous series against Pakistan due to a calf injury. For India, vice-captain Rishabh Pant’s return will be a big boost for the side. The wicket-keeper batter was unavailable for the previous test series against the West Indies due to a foot injury.

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