Test cricket returns to Kolkata, tickets prices at ₹60:CAB to introduce Gandhi-Mandela special toss coin; 5 interesting facts ahead of Kolkata Test

Team India is all set to face South Africa in the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata. For the first time in six years, the iconic Eden Gardens stadium will host a Test match featuring the Indian team. Ahead of the first Test, several unique and fascinating details have made this fixture even more special. From the introduction of a special Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela toss coin to the sale of a record 96,000 tickets, the buzz around the game is unlike anything seen before in Kolkata. Adding to the intensity, security has been placed on high alert, a rare measure for a Test match in the city following the Delhi blast incident. Here are 5 facts you must check out before the first Test begins in Kolkata: 1) CAB introduce the Gandhi-Mandela special coin for toss The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has introduced a special gold coin featuring Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela for the toss in the first India-South Africa Test at Eden Gardens on November 14. CAB President Sourav Ganguly said the coin, symbolising peace, freedom, and non-violence, was specially created for the series. The match, part of the Freedom Trophy honouring Gandhi and Mandela’s shared legacy. 2) 96,000 seats booked for the first three days The opening Test at Eden Gardens marks the return of Test cricket to Kolkata after six years and has created massive excitement among fans. According to CAB Treasurer Sanjay Das, tickets for the first three days are nearly sold out, with 96,000 tickets being grabbed already by cricket crazy fanatics. 3) India hosts South Africa after 15 years in Eden Gardens Team India will host South Africa after a long gap of 15 years at the iconic Eden Gardens. Last time South Africa played a Test match in the ‘City of Joy’ in 2010. Eight of South Africa’s current squad have never played a test in India. South Africa have a poor recent record in India, having lost their previous two series 3-0. Their last series win came under Hansie Cronje in 2000.
4) Lowest ticket price for Test in Kolkata, starting from ₹ 60 The ticket prices for the Eden Gardens Test are highly affordable, starting at just ₹60 per day (₹300 for the full match) and going up to ₹250 per day (₹1,250 for all five days), making it easy for fans from all backgrounds to enjoy the return of Test cricket in Kolkata. 5) High alert in Kolkata ahead of Test match for first time Security has been tightened across Kolkata and at Eden Gardens ahead of the first India-South Africa Test, following a fatal car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed atleast nine people. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed enhanced security arrangements across key areas, including the stadium, which will host the opening Test starting Friday.