IND vs SA: Test series win in India would be second only to the ICC WTC glory, says Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma is excited about the prospect of defeating India in their own backyard in tests.

South African test captain Temba Bavuma stated that winning the forthcoming two-match test series against India will be almost as important as their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title triumph earlier this year. For Bavuma, beating India at home is more than simply a cricketing milestone; it is also a test of his team’s resilience and desire.

However, South Africa’s track record in India highlights the enormity of the undertaking. They have lost seven consecutive tests across three tours, with their last victory being in Nagpur in 2010.

However, Temba Bavuma is certain that this team, which has not lost a full-strength test series since coach Shukri Conrad took over in 2023, has the maturity, depth, and belief to mount a credible push and win a historic series after 25 years.

“I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship… not much to trump that. But second to that, I think, will be winning in India. It’s something that I wouldn’t even say has eluded us, but we haven’t been able to do for the longest time. So, I mean, that’s definitely up there in terms of ambition. We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group have had moments of hurt. So, we know what it’s about,” Temba Bavuma said ahead of the first Test in Kolkata.

“We look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting looking at the makeup of both teams—fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience. Similarly with our side, the guys want to match up to the best in the world,” he added.

South Africa defeated Australia in the final of the ICC WTC 2023-25 at the Lord’s in June.

Temba Bavuma names Kuldeep Yadav as a potential danger for South Africa in the Test series

The Proteas captain also mentioned a lighter moment he had with former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, as well as his one piece of advice: “win the toss.” At an awards event in Mumbai, Bavuma sought Williamson’s counsel after New Zealand defeated India 3-0 in their own backyard last year.

“I met up with Kane at an awards evening in India a couple of months ago. I tried to ask him for some pointers. He wasn’t too open about it, but he did say, Make sure that you win the toss. So, I’ve been practicing it,” Bavuma stated.

The Proteas skipper, who encountered Kuldeep Yadav for the first time during the warm-up match, admitted that India’s left-arm wrist-spinner will pose a significant challenge. Bavuma acknowledged Kuldeep’s variations and control, noting that his unique style could trouble even the most set batters in Indian conditions.

“I’d rather face him in the A game than here in Kolkata—that’s if he plays. He’s not a massive turner of the ball, but he can obviously deceive you off the wicket. You can see why India has a lot of faith in him. Definitely a guy who’s a wicket-taker,” Bavuma said.

The first test of the series will be played in Kolkata from November 14, while the second test will be played in Guwahati from November 22.

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