Test series between India in South Africa have been dominated by the hosts more often than not. India have never managed to beat South Africa in the latter’s home, with their best results being two drawn series in 2010/11 and in the last series played between the two sides in 2023/24. South Africa, meanwhile have managed to win once (1999/00) and draw twice (2007/08, 2009/10) in India but have not won a single Test match in the country since February 2010. Captain Temba Bavuma has said that while the task remains difficult, his side may be better poised to take India on at their home due to the quality spinners they have in their squad.
The two-Test series between India and South Africa starts on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second match will be played from November 22 in Guwahati. The experienced Keshav Maharaj will be part of the touring party, alongwith Senuran Muthuswamy and Simon Harmer. They also have a part-time spinner in Tristan Stubbs. “Bowling has always been a strength of ours as a team. Now, we’re probably even better poised with those spin resources. We have Tristan Stubbs as well, if we do need another off-spinner, he can come in with something different,” Bavuma told the media. “You need the bowlers to be able to take 20 wickets, right? I think now we’re quite confident in our ability and if the conditions are saying that spin is the threat, then at least we have the resources.”
“I think as a South African team, I don’t think we’ve won a Test series here in India for a long time. So, I think there’s a massive opportunity there and I think there’s a big target on our backs as a South African Test team. I think there’s expectation on us (as world champions).”
Notably, South Africa will be facing an Indian team devoid of Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Bavuma, however, felt that this would make no difference. “It’s always tough playing in India. You’ve seen the young talent that has come in. The guys come in, they are all filling the boots. It is a big task,” Bavuma said. “Those guys you mentioned have performed over a number of years for India, and they’ve put India on the map of where they are. But yeah, we’ll prepare as well as we can, understand the challenges that we’ll find here, and strive to put our best foot forward,” Bavuma said.
