South Africa has not won a Test game in India since 2010. The two match series against India that should start on Friday, November 14 at the old Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata is the one that the Proteas will be looking forward to end the long drought.
Temba Bavuma has never lost a Test match as South Africa’s captain. The compact right-hander led his side to the World Test Championship (WTC) final earlier this year, defeating Australia at Lord’s.
According to Bavuma, a win on Indian soil would rank as his team’s second-biggest achievement, just behind their triumph in the WTC final.
“Obviously, winning the World Test Championship not much can top that. But second to that would be winning in India. It’s something we haven’t managed for a long time, so it’s definitely high on our list of ambitions,” Bavuma said ahead of the series opener.
South Africa has lost seven consecutive Tests in India, spanning three tours. However, Bavuma is convinced that his club can turn things around this time.
“We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us have experienced the hurt before, so we know what it’s about. Looking at both teams, there’s a lot of talent, India have fantastic players, though a bit of inexperience, and it’s similar with our side. The guys are eager to test themselves against the best.”
Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma shares Kane Williamson’s key advice before India Tests
Temba Bavuma explained that in one of their recent talks with Kane Williamson, he requested him to help him before the India tour. The teammates of Williamson visited India last year and managed to beat the Asian powerhouse 3-0 in a Test series. The ex-Kiwi captain persuaded Bavuma to call heads.
“I met Kane at an awards evening in Mumbai a couple of months ago. I asked him for some tips on how to win in India. He wasn’t too forthcoming — he just said, ‘Make sure you win the toss.’ So, I’ve been practising that,” Bavuma recalled with a laugh.
