NEW DELHI :India will look to reprise their home template of big first-innings totals and sustained spin in the short two-test series against South Africa beginning in Kolkata on Friday.

Shubman Gill's side sit third in the World Test Championship rankings after beginning their 2025-27 cycle with a 2-2 draw in England followed by a 2-0 sweep at home against West Indies.

Reigning world champions South Africa forced a 1-1 draw in Pakistan but the squad, despite being bolstered by the return of their fit-again skipper Temba Bavuma, can expect a sterner test in the eastern Indian cities of Kolkata and Guwahati.

India will back their top order to counter the new-ball threat posed by South Africa's Kagiso Rabada-led pace battery.

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked stor

See Full Page