IND vs SA: Head to head records in test cricket

The first IND vs SA test will be played from November 14 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Indian Cricket Team and South Africa Cricket Team are set to square off in a two-match test series. The opening clash will begin on November 14 (Friday) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. For hosts India, this will be the third series in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, where they take the third spot in the points table with a win percentage (PCT) of 61.90.

Last month, the Shubman Gill & Co. bagged a 2-0 clean sweep against the West Indies in a test series at home and will aim for a similar outing against the Proteas. India have made a few changes to their squad for the test series against South Africa. Rishabh Pant’s return to the test squad will be a big boost for the side, while pacer Akash Deep also makes a comeback for the series.

N Jagadeesan and Prasidh Krishna, who were part of the West Indies tests, have been left out of the squad. Moreover, India have also released all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the squad of the first test. He will now play for India A in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A.

On the other hand, South Africa hold fifth spot in the ICC WTC 2025-27 points table with a PCT of 50.0, and will face India in their second series of the cycle. Last month, their two-match test series against Pakistan ended in a 1-1 draw.

Temba Bavuma, who missed the Pakistan test tour due to a calf injury, is back to captain the side against India. Spinner Prenelan Subrayen has been dropped as the Proteas side went in with three spinners with Keshav Maharaj leading the spin attack.

Ahead of the first IND vs SA test, let’s take a look at the detailed head-to-head records between both sides in test cricket.

IND vs SA head-to-head record in tests: India (16) – South Africa (18)

South Africa have an edge against India in head-to-head records in test cricket. Out of 44 games, the Proteas have won 18 matches, while India have clinched victories in 16 games. 10 matches ended in a draw. In India, both sides have locked horns in 19 tests, out of which, India won 11 games and lost five matches. Three encounters ended in draws.

Most runs for India in tests vs South Africa:

Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer for India against South Africa in test cricket, with 1741 runs in 25 matches at an average of 42.46. Virat Kohli is next on the list with 1408 runs.

Most runs by Indian batsmen against South Africa in tests:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 1741 runs
2. Virat Kohli – 1408 runs
3. Virender Sehwag – 1306 runs
4. Rahul Dravid – 1252 runs
5. VVS Laxman – 976 runs

Most runs for South Africa in tests vs India:

With 1734 runs in 18 matches at an average of 69.36, Jacques Kallis is the highest run-scorer for South Africa in test cricket against India, followed by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers at the next two spots.

Most runs by South Africa batsmen against India in tests:

1. Jacques Kallis – 1734 runs
2. Hashim Amla – 1528 runs
3. AB de Villiers – 1334 runs
4. Dean Elgar – 1012 runs
5. Graeme Smith – 987 runs

Most wickets for India in tests vs South Africa:

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble holds the record for most wickets against South Africa in tests, clinching 84 scalps in 21 games at an average of 31.79. Javagal Srinath and Harbhajan Singh are next on the list with 64 and 60 scalps respectively.

Most wickets by Indian bowlers against South Africa in tests:

1. Anil Kumble – 84 wickets
2. Javagal Srinath – 64 wickets
3. Harbhajan Singh – 60 wickets
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 57 wickets
5. Mohammed Shami – 48 wickets

Most wickets for South Africa in tests vs India:

South Africa pace legend Dale Steyn holds the record for most tests wickets against India, with 65 wickets in 14 games at an average of 21.53. Morne Morkel and Allan Donald follow him next.

Most wickets by South Africa bowlers against India in tests:

1. Dale Steyn – 65 wickets
2. Morne Morkel – 58 wickets
3. Allan Donald – 57 wickets
4. Kagiso Rabada – 55 wickets
5. Shaun Pollock – 52 wickets

IND vs SA: India and South Africa will clash in the 45th test

Notably, the first test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens will be the 45th test between both sides. Their last clash took place in January 2024 at Newlands, Cape Town, where India crushed South Africa by seven wickets.

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