Suresh Raina picks this player to be the Ex factor of Team India against South Africa

After beating West Indies in the 2 match test series in October, the Indian men’s cricket team is gearing up to face World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 winners South Africa in a much-anticipated two-match Test series, the third of India’s WTC 2025–27 cycle. The matches will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (November 14–18) and Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (November 22–26). With both sides eyeing crucial WTC points, excitement is already building.

Raina’s Big Prediction: Pant and Bumrah to Shine

Former India batter Suresh Raina has shared his predictions ahead of the series, naming Rishabh Pant as India’s biggest X-factor. Pant, who returns after missing the West Indies series due to a foot injury sustained during the India–England Test in July, is expected to play a key role.

In a video posted by Star Sports, Raina said, “The standout player will be Jasprit Bumrah because both venues will have early starts and help reverse swing. And the biggest X-factor will be Rishabh Pant; his aggressive batting style can change the game. Both grounds are small, and he can make quick runs.”

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Nayar Picks Gill and Pant as Impact Players

Echoing Raina’s confidence, former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar named Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as his standout players for the series.

Pant’s Record vs South Africa

Pant has played three Tests against South Africa so far, scoring 186 runs in six innings, and will look to add to that tally in the upcoming clash.

Eyes on Eden and Guwahati

As India prepares for its home challenge, all eyes will be on Pant’s comeback and Bumrah’s brilliance, a duo that could define India’s dominance in red-ball cricket once again.