IND vs SA: Can South Africa end 25-year wait for a Test series win in India?

NEW DELHI: South African captain Temba Bavuma does not believe the upcoming Test series against India will be any easier despite the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, he feels his team has a stronger chance to win on Indian soil for the first time in 25 years, thanks to its potent spin attack.


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The Bavuma-led side will look to script history by securing South Africa’s first series win in India since Hansie Cronje’s team triumphed in the 1999-2000 season. The two-match series begins on November 14 in Kolkata.


"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)," Bavuma said during a select media interaction ahead of the second four-day game between India A and South Africa A, which he will lead as part of his comeback from a calf injury.

While India will be without stalwarts Kohli, Rohit, and R Ashwin, Bavuma has taken note of the impressive performances by a young Indian team in England recently, where they drew the five-match series 2-2.

"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," he added.

One area Bavuma hopes to exploit is India’s recent vulnerability against quality spin, something that was evident in their struggles against New Zealand last year.

"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," he noted.

Bavuma highlighted the strength of South Africa’s spin department, which includes left-armers Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthuswamy, and off-spinner Simon Harmer.

"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," he said.


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