Gill banks on spinners as SA captain Bavuma wants world champions to prove credentials in first Test

India captain Shubman Gill said on Thursday fast bowlers could play a key role in the opening Test against South Africa, although spinners usually have the final say in home conditions.

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The pitch at Kolkata's Eden Gardens is expected to behave like a typical Indian surface -- offering good batting conditions over the first couple of days when the Test begins on Friday before assisting spin from day three.

However, the early morning moisture in eastern India could bring the quicks into play.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, India will be counting on their ability to exploit reverse swing.

"I think generally fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening," Gill told reporters on the eve of the two-match series.

"Whenever we play in India, more or less the spinners decide the game.

"The better the quality of the spin attack you have, the better chances you have of winning the match," he said.

India's spin options for the opener include Ravindra Jadeja (left-arm orthodox), Washington Sundar (off-spin), Axar Patel (left-arm orthodox) and Kuldeep Yadav (left-arm wrist spin).

It could be a tossup between fielding a third seamer or an extra spinner in the India XI.