Gandhi-Mandela series: Special coin toss for India-SA Kolkata Test
11 Nov 2025

After a gap of six years, Test cricket is returning to Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens Stadium.

The much-awaited match will see India take on the incumbent ICC World Test Champions, South Africa, for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy.

The toss for this special match will be conducted with a special coin featuring Mahatma Gandhi on one side and Nelson Mandela on the other.

This gesture goes beyond cricket, symbolizing respect and shared ideals between two nations united by their struggles for freedom.

More on the special coin
Coin toss

As mentioned, the Eden Gardens Test will feature a special commemorative toss coin that honors the two nations' struggles for freedom and peace.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has introduced this gold coin with Mahatma Gandhi on one side and Nelson Mandela on the other.

The duo led the freedom and equality movements in their respective countries (India and South Africa).

Gill, Jadeja likely to return as all-rounders
Match strategy

Shubman Gill, who recently returned from Australia, has been prepping for the match with his coach Gautam Gambhir.

The duo was seen analyzing the pitch with curator Sujan Mukherjee.

The Eden pitch is expected to be fast and bouncy for the first two days before deteriorating and favoring spinners later on.

Both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are expected to play, with Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav filling in as the third spinner.

A look at two squads
Squads

India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain and wicket-keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.