Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, does not believe that the absence of Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will cause the upcoming Test series to be any easier for his side. Nevertheless, he believes that South Africa's improved spin resources give them a true chance at finally ending a 25-year wait for a Test series win in India.
Bavuma will lead his side in the two-Test series that begins on November 14 in Kolkata, searching to replicate the success of Hansie Cronje's 1999-2000 team, the last South African team to win a series in India.
‘A massive opportunity for South Africa’, says Temba Bavuma
“I don’t think we’ve won a Test series in India for a long time,” Bavuma said during a media interaction ahead of the four-day game between India A and South Africa A, which marks his return from a calf injury. “There’s a massive opportunity there, and a big target on our backs as a South African Test team. As world champions, there’san expectation on us.”
Despite India missing big names such as Kohli, Rohit, and R. Ashwin, Bavuma is aware of the strength of the new-look side, especially after their resilient 2-2 draw in England earlier this year. “You’ve seen the young talent that has come in. They’re filling big boots, and it’s always tough playing in India,” he said.
Bavuma believes India’s recent struggles against quality spin could be an opening for his side. “Bowling has always been a strength of ours. Now, with our spin options, we’re even better prepared,” he noted. He highlighted the trio of Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthuswamy, and Simon Harmer, along with part-time spinner Tristan Stubbs, as key assets for South Africa.
Bavuma praised Shubman Gill’s leadership, saying India under the young captain remains a strong force at home. “It’s a big task for those young guys, but you look at how they performed in England—batters scoring hundreds, bowlers taking wickets—it shows their depth,” he said.
He admitted that his team must capitalise on any gaps in India’s relatively inexperienced lineup. “We’ll try to uncover whatever weaknesses there are within their armoury,” he added.
Runs key for South Africa’s success
According to Bavuma, the batters’ role will be crucial in setting up matches for the spinners. “You need the batters to score runs in India. The top four are the key. We need that cushion to allow our spinners to dominate,” he explained.
The captain expects the series to be “high-intensity,” especially with India’s aggressive bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. “We’ve got to be ready with our A game. I expect nothing but an exciting series for both players and fans,” Bavuma said.
Reflecting on South Africa’s recent 1–1 Test series draw in Pakistan, Bavuma said it was a timely boost. “The belief we took from that series is important. What we can’t do in India is start slowly. We must stay ahead of the game,” he added.
Returning from injury, Bavuma sees the India A match as crucial preparation. “It’s a chance to get mileage in my legs and adapt to the conditions ahead of the Test series,” he concluded.
(By PTI Inputs)
