Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, anticipates that India will produce turning strips in the next two-test series next month, despite Shubman Gill, the captain of India, preferring more even surfaces. Traditionally, India has leaned on their strength in spin to acquire World Test Championship (WTC) points, but Gill expressed there is a desire to see wickets that are preferable to both bat and ball. The defending champions of the WTC will clash against India in Kolkata (November 14-18) and Guwahati (November 22-26).

Temba Bavuma on India’s spin factor and visiting challenges

Speaking during the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, Bavuma said South Africa would not be surprised to encounter spin-friendly pitches. “Generally, teams now are always using their conditions to their favour, especially with the World Test Championship cycle,” he said. The Proteas skipper added that visiting spinners often find it tough to adjust to Indian conditions. “There’s always that challenge — foreign spinners either bowl quicker or flatter here,” he noted.

Bavuma admitted the Indian tour would be “tough” but said his side would draw inspiration from New Zealand’s 3-0 series win earlier this year. “Touring India is never easy. I heard Kane Williamson will be here — I’ll definitely ask him for tips,” he quipped. He also acknowledged India’s transition under Gill, praising former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for laying the foundation of a dominant Test side.

Bavuma stated that South Africa’s batsmen have learnt a lot about batting in Indian conditions through their experiences in the IPL, which will bode well for their preparations for the T20 series against India. He noted that the team’s expanded program in this WTC cycle—including tours to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and home series against Australia, England, and Bangladesh—was a response to the criticism surrounding their qualification pathway.
Bavuma was enthusiastic about the return of Quinton de Kock for the ODI series, but noted that competition from emerging batsmen means he still has to establish himself back in the squad.