Eden Gardens in Kolkata is set to host a Test match after a six-year hiatus, marking the longest gap for the iconic venue since 1948. The last Test at Eden Gardens was the historic 2019 pink-ball encounter between India national cricket team and Bangladesh national cricket team, which introduced day-night Test cricket to India. Fans eagerly await the clash as India takes on reigning World Test Champions South Africa from November 14, 2025.
Team India Sees Massive Transformation
The six years since the 2019 Kolkata Test have seen a major overhaul in Indian cricket. Five stalwarts, including former captain Virat Kohli, retired from Test cricket, while five others drifted out of selection contention. The 2019 squad featured Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Wriddhiman Saha, with an experienced bowling lineup led by Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. That team achieved a commanding victory over Bangladesh, highlighted by Kohli’s century and strong performances from Pujara and Rahane.
Ravindra Jadeja – The Lone Bridge
Among the 2019 XI, only Ravindra Jadeja remains in the playing eleven for the upcoming Test against South Africa. The Saurashtra all-rounder is the sole player connecting the historic pink-ball match to the present team. While Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav are still part of the squad, they did not feature in the 2019 XI.
Jadeja’s experience and all-round abilities make him a crucial figure for Team India as they prepare for the challenging South African tour. The six-year gap has not diminished Eden Gardens’ aura, and Jadeja’s presence ensures continuity between eras.
As India returns to Kolkata for a red-ball encounter, fans and cricket enthusiasts are set to witness a mix of experience and new talent. With Jadeja leading the bridge from the 2019 side and the new generation stepping up, this Test promises to be a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history.
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