IND vs SA 1st Test: Spinners will likely decide the game, says India skipper Gill

Indian Test captain Shubman Gill hailed the spin-bowling all-rounders he has at his disposal, ahead of his side’s series opener against South Africa, starting on Friday at the Eden Gardens.

Referring to Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, Gill branded the selection dilemma between the three as a ‘good problem’.

“We’re really fortunate to have the kind of quality all-rounders we do. All of them have strong batting and bowling records, especially in Indian conditions. As a captain, it’s always difficult to decide who to leave out. But that’s a good problem to have. It makes for an exciting Test,” he added.

Gill added that the team is undecided on its final playing XI, with doubts persisting regarding the bowling combination.

“It’s always this time of the year that there’s a conflict over whether to go for an extra seamer or spinner. We’ll look at the conditions tomorrow morning before finalising the eleven.”

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If India is to bring in an extra pacer to back up Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, it will most likely be local favourite Akash Deep, who impressed in the England series.

Gill, though, suggested that spinners will ultimately determine the game’s fate. “It [playing combination] is more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday, but the spinners will more or less decide the game.”

The Indian skipper also fielded queries regarding senior pacer Mohammed Shami’s non-selection.

“There aren’t many bowlers of Shami bhai’s quality. But when you look at the performances of others, guys like Akash Deep and Prasidh [Krishna], and also what Siraj and Bumrah have done for us, it becomes a tough call.

“It’s never easy when someone like Shami bhai has to miss out, but at the same time, we have to plan ahead. As for fitness and selection matters, the selectors would be in a better position to give a clear answer on that,” Gill said.

Gill also tipped his hat to the South African side, which comes into the series as the World Test Champions, having beaten Australia in the WTC 2023-25 final earlier this year.

“South Africa played really well in their last series [against Pakistan]; they managed to draw it, and that’s why they are the reigning champions. It’s going to be a good, competitive series.

“We know it won’t be easy against South Africa. There will be tough moments, but we’ve handled such phases well before. These two Tests are crucial in our journey towards the WTC final,” added Gill.

Published on Nov 13, 2025