This time of the year, there's always that conflict" - Shubman Gill's huge statement on selection ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Team India captain Shubman Gill spoke about the selection conundrum regarding the team combination ahead of the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin on Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Men in Blue have several questions to resolve before they can finalise a playing XI that is best equipped to deal with the conditions and the opposition.

One of the major issues that the Men in Blue have to tackle is slotting in the returning Rishabh Pant into the playing XI. The wicket-keeper returns to the team after an injury layoff caused by a fractured foot in England. Dhruv Jurel's impeccable form arguably leaves him certain for the clash, leaving only Nitish Kumar Reddy, who could be potentially displaced.

The team management dropped a major hint after reports of the young all-rounder being released from the squad to join the India 'A' setup, surfaced during the build-up to the series opener. Moreover, there is also the question of a potential third seamer to get the most out of a surface that promises to be a sporting one, rather than a typical subcontinent pitch offering a lot of turn.

Gill admitted that India are largely settled on their playing XI, with only the bowling combination requiring a late revisit.

"It’s more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game. This time of the year, there's always that conflict whether to play an all-rounder or an extra spinner. We will decide tomorrow," Shubman Gill said during the pre-match press conference (via RevSportz).

Even with Nitish Kumar Reddy's potential exit from the squad, the Men in Blue have another all-rounder option in Axar Patel. The left-arm spinner last played a Test in early 2024. However, Gill emphasized the importance of the all-rounders that India have among their ranks.

We are fortunate to have good batting all-rounders — be it Axar, Washington or Jadeja, their bowling and batting records are excellent, especially in India. It's going to be an exciting Test, and it’s good to have more options," Gill added.

During the home series against the West Indies, Team India went with six bowling options, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being the third seamer along with the two frontline pacers, and the traditional three spinners.

Team India set to play their first Test at the Eden Gardens since 2019

The Men in Blue will play the longest format at the iconic venue for the first time since the historic maiden pink ball Test against Bangladesh in 2019. As far as the last red-ball Test at the stadium is concerned, it came during Sri Lanka's tour of India in 2017.

On the other hand, the last time India and South Africa faced off at the Eden Gardens was in November 1996, where the visitors won by a thumping 329-run margin.

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Edited by Gokul Nair