IND vs SA 2025: India create history with six left-handers in Test playing XI

The Indian Test team is currently competing in the opening Test of the two-match series against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with the visitors batting first. India are looking to assert dominance under the leadership of Shubman Gill, and they have already created history with a unique team combination.

For the first time in India’s Test history, the playing XI features six left-handers. Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the innings, and will be followed by Washington Sundar at No. 3 in a rare top-order role for the all-rounder. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant came in next, continuing India’s left-handed flow.

In the middle order, India further strengthened their lineup with spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, while wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav also made the cut, completing the unprecedented tally of six left-handed players. The strategic combination marks a first in Indian Test cricket and showcases a bold approach as they look to dominate the two-match series against South Africa.

Indian players and their batting hand vs South Africa - 1st Test

For the first Test, India made two changes to their playing XI. Tamil Nadu’s B Sai Sudharsan was left out along with Nitish Kumar Reddy. Pant returned to the side and is featuring as a specialist batter, while Axar has also been included, marking his first Test appearance since February 2024.

In the South African side, star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada missed the ongoing Kolkata Test due to a rib injury. However, captain Temba Bavuma returned to the XI after sitting out the two-match series in Pakistan last month. Dewald Brevis is also not part of the lineup, and notably, Senuran Muthusamy has been left out despite his impressive recent performances.

Muthusamy was one of South Africa’s standout players in the Pakistan Test series, delivering impactful spells with the ball and earning praise for his resilient batting in the first innings of the second Test in Rawalpindi.