India are all set to take on South Africa in their third series of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. The two-Test series will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 to 18 and at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. Ahead of the high-stakes clash between India and the reigning WTC champions, former Indian middle-order batter Suresh Raina shared his predictions, identifying Rishabh Pant as the X-factor who could turn the tide for the hosts.
Pant, who makes his return to the Test side after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the fourth Test against England in July 2025, missed India’s last red-ball assignment against the West Indies. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is renowned for his fearless strokeplay and match-winning temperament, making him a key figure in India’s lineup.
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In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Suresh Raina also predicted that world No. 1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah would be India’s standout performer across both Tests. He highlighted the early start times of 8:30 a.m., which could help seamers extract movement and reverse swing.
Big names. Big stage. Big series. 🔥
Suresh Raina and Abhishek Nayar reveal who they believe will shine brightest against the WTC Champions South Africa.
Bumrah’s swing and fire, Pant’s X-factor spark, and Shubman Gill’s calm command… all set to shape India’s charge this… pic.twitter.com/WPxwVfXjAW— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 11, 2025
“I think the standout player from India will be Jasprit Bumrah because the matches will start early, and you will see a different kind of reverse swing. And the biggest X-factor will be Rishabh Pant, because he has a different batting style. Both venues are small, so runs will come fast,” Suresh Raina explained.
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Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, meanwhile, also weighed in with his picks, naming Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as the two players to watch out for in the series. Pant has played three Tests against South Africa so far, scoring 186 runs in six innings — a record he will look to build on as India aim to strengthen their position in the WTC standings.
