Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj will be in action as India host South Africa for a two-match Test series. The first Test will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, beginning Friday, November 14. The last time India hosted South Africa for a Test series was in 2019—a three-match affair that the hosts won convincingly by a 3-0 margin.
Having recently secured a home Test series win against the West Indies, India will carry momentum and confidence into this series. However, South Africa—the reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions—are expected to pose a tough challenge for the hosts. The Proteas recently toured Pakistan for a two-match Test series, drawing 1-1.
While much of the attention will be on the batters, this series promises an equal and crucial role for the bowlers. As both teams look to dominate, here are three players who could top the bowling charts in these two Tests:
## 3. Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is set to be one of India’s frontline pacers in this series. Although conditions may favor spinners, the fast bowlers have a vital role to play early on, particularly with the new ball. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj’s contribution will be crucial for the hosts.
Siraj was the second-highest wicket-taker in the recent home series against the West Indies, claiming 10 wickets from two games at an average of 13, with best figures of 4/40. While most of his Test wickets have come overseas, Siraj has shown impressive progress at home as well—he has 29 wickets from 16 matches in India at an average of 28.72. He will aim to carry his West Indies form into the contests against South Africa.
## 2. Keshav Maharaj
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj is one opposition player who could trouble the Indian batters on home soil. Maharaj starred in the second Test against Pakistan, bagging nine wickets, including a seven-wicket haul in the first innings.
In the 2019 series against India, Maharaj played two matches and has since earned a reputation for being a potent force in Asian conditions. His record in Asia is remarkable—54 wickets in nine matches at an average of 29.72, including three five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. This year alone, Maharaj has claimed 19 wickets from four Tests at an average of 24.42. His experience and prowess in subcontinental conditions will be key to South Africa’s hopes.
## 1. Kuldeep Yadav
Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav could prove to be a major threat to the Proteas’ batting line-up. He demonstrated outstanding form against the West Indies, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps from two games at an average of 19.50, including a five-wicket haul.
Interestingly, Kuldeep has never played against South Africa in Tests, making this his debut series against them. In India, he boasts a stellar record—50 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 22.46, with three five-wicket hauls. With confidence and form on his side, Kuldeep is expected to deliver another impressive outing at home.
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As India and South Africa prepare to battle it out, all eyes will be on these bowlers who have the potential to tilt the series in their team’s favor. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting contest both with bat and ball!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/predicting-top-3-highest-wicket-takers-ind-vs-sa-2025-tests-ft-mohammed-siraj