Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 11: In a symbolic gesture celebrating peace and freedom, a special gold coin featuring Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela will be used for the toss in the first Test match between India and South Africa at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on November 14, according to a report.

The coin, introduced by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), bears Mahatma Gandhi’s image on one side and Nelson Mandela’s on the other, representing the two leaders’ enduring legacies of non-violence, equality, and freedom. The Test series between India and South Africa is played for the Freedom Trophy, instituted to honour Gandhi and Mandela and their shared ideals.

CAB President Sourav Ganguly confirmed that the commemorative coin was specially minted for the series and will feature exclusively in the opening Test’s toss ceremony.

Ahead of the match, the CAB will also host the Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture on November 13, with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar delivering the keynote address. Players from both India and South Africa are expected to attend the event.

Team India arrived in Kolkata on Sunday evening following their white-ball tour of Australia. The squad includes captain Shubman Gill, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The upcoming series marks a notable comeback for Rishabh Pant, who returns as vice-captain and wicketkeeper after recovering from injury.

The two-match series begins in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati on November 22, marking the city’s debut as a Test venue.
In the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, India currently occupy third place with a points percentage (PCT) of 61.90, while South Africa are fifth with 50 PCT after their recent drawn series in Pakistan.

Following the Tests, the two teams will face off in three ODIs and five T20Is, continuing what promises to be a highly anticipated and symbolically rich India–South Africa cricketing chapter.