India vs South Africa, first Test: A special gold coin featuring Gandhi and Mandela will be used for the toss, marking an inaugural symbol to the Freedom Trophy Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 14th November. For the toss in the first Test match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens on 14th November, The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has introduced a special gold coin. Symbolizing the values of peace, freedom and non-violence, the coin marks Mahatma Gandhi on the one side of coin and Nelson Mandela on the other side of the coin. President of CAB, Sourav Ganguly disclosed that the coin was made particularly for the series and will be used during the toss ceremony. For the Freedom Trophy, which was established to glory Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, the India vs South Africa Test series is once again being played.The Freedom Trophy marks their shared legacy and the message of non-violence that both leaders conveyed across the world.
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After six years, the first Test will mark the return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens and has created tremendous interest among fans of cricket. For the first three days tickets are almost sold out. According to CAB Treasurer Sanjay Das, with 96,000 already gone, and a total of 1.4 crore tickets sold overall. In the wake of the recent blast near Red Fort, New Delhi, the match will take amid heightened security. Kolkata Police and The CAB have taken special safeguard to ensure the safety of players and viewers. On 13th November 2025, the CAB will host the Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture on the eve of the match. With cricketers from both sides in attendance, Sunil Gavaskar will deliver the keynote address. Dalmiya, who once led both the ICC and BCCI, is recalled for transforming Team India in world cricket into a powerhouse.
While asking from Ganguly whether India had specifically sought a turning track, he said “Well, they haven’t asked for it yet.So I won’t be able to answer the question.”
“It looks a very good wicket.”
