Team India are all set to host South Africa in a two-match Test series. While the series opener will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 to 18, Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium will stage the second Test from November 22 to 26.

Ahead of the series, India’s star pacer Mohammed Siraj has said that he looking forward to doing well against South Africa.

Siraj believes the series will be a crucial one for India in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa is the defending champion. While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we’re confident from our own good form; we created a positive environment, performed well in England, and won against the West Indies. Personally, I’m bowling with good rhythm and looking to make the most of it. Facing strong teams helps identify areas to improve, and I’m really excited for this challenge," Siraj said on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’ show.

Shubman Gill will lead the Indian side in the South Africa series, which also marks the return of vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant from toe injury.

In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel donned keeping gloves in the home series against West Indies last month while N Jagadeesan was part of the side as a backup wicketkeeper.

The South Africa series will also see the return of Akash Deep, who was also dealing with an injury post the England tour. Akash replaced Prasidh Krishna in the Test squad.

India’s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep