India is all set to take on South Africa in the first of the two-match Test series, scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, beginning on Friday, November 14. The Men in Blue will be eager to continue their impressive form following their 2-0 clean sweep against the West Indies in October. However, the reigning World Test Champions (WTC), South Africa, are expected to pose a different challenge for the hosts.

That said, the Proteas have struggled to win a Test series in India since their 2-0 triumph in the 1999-2000 season. In contrast, Team India has won three out of the last five series against South Africa on home soil, with the exceptions being the 2007/08 and 2009/10 series, both of which ended in 1-1 draws. Notably, this current series will mark South Africa’s first red-ball tour in India since the 2019/20 series, during which they lost 0-3.

With the 2025 series opener set at Eden Gardens, let’s take a nostalgic look back at India’s playing XI when they last faced South Africa at this very venue in 2010. The MS Dhoni-led side dominated the match, winning by an innings and 57 runs. Now, Shubman Gill and his teammates will be aiming to replicate that success in 2025.

### India’s Playing XI Against South Africa in Kolkata, 2010: Where Are They Now?

#### Top Order: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Murali Vijay

Gautam Gambhir, now India’s current head coach, opened the innings alongside the flamboyant Virender Sehwag in the 2010 Test against South Africa. Murali Vijay, meanwhile, batted at No. 3. This match took place before the Test debuts of Virat Kohli (2011) and Rohit Sharma (2013).

In the game, Gambhir scored 25 runs off 38 balls, while Sehwag was the star, smashing a commanding 165 runs off 174 balls, which included two sixes and 23 boundaries. Vijay, unfortunately, had a poor outing, scoring just seven runs from 15 balls.

Since retiring, Sehwag and Vijay have transitioned into roles as commentators and analysts, with Sehwag announcing his retirement in 2015 and Vijay in 2023. Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket in 2018 and took over as head coach of the Men in Blue after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

#### Middle Order: Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Subramaniam Badrinath, and MS Dhoni

The middle order featured legends Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman at No. 4 and 5 respectively. Tendulkar scored a patient 106 off 206 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries, while Laxman remained unbeaten on 143 off 260 balls, dispatching 16 boundaries. Both cricketing icons retired over a decade ago—Laxman in 2012 and Tendulkar in 2013.

Post-retirement, Laxman serves as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), playing a vital role in nurturing young talent. Tendulkar remains closely involved in the IPL as the icon player of Mumbai Indians (MI) and acts as a part-time mentor for the five-time champions.

Subramaniam Badrinath and MS Dhoni batted at No. 6 and 8 respectively. While Badrinath managed just one run in the match, Dhoni delivered a match-winning unbeaten 132 off 187 balls, including three sixes and 12 boundaries. Dhoni shared an unbeaten 259-run partnership with Laxman for the seventh wicket, showcasing his prowess.

Amit Mishra was promoted above Dhoni at No. 7 and scored 28 runs off 38 balls. Badrinath retired in 2018 and now works as a commentator and cricket pundit. Dhoni, who bid farewell to Test cricket in 2014 after the Boxing Day Test in Australia, continues to ply his trade in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

#### Bowlers: Amit Mishra, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Ishant Sharma

The bowling attack comprised specialist spinners Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh, who together bowled a tight spell on the visiting South African batsmen. Harbhajan was the standout performer with eight wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, while Mishra claimed four wickets, featuring a three-for in the second innings.

Among the pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma took four and three wickets respectively. Mishra retired from all forms of cricket in September 2025 and has since launched a YouTube channel where he analyzes the Indian cricket team’s performances. Harbhajan, who retired in 2021, also works as a commentator and runs his own YouTube channel.

Zaheer retired from international cricket in 2015 and was last involved with IPL as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Ishant Sharma continues to play in IPL, representing Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2025 season.

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As India prepares to take on South Africa again at Eden Gardens in 2025, the memories of the 2010 victory serve as a strong reminder of the team’s potential and fighting spirit. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced leaders, the Men in Blue will be looking to script another memorable chapter against the Proteas on home turf.
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