South Africa, the reigning champions of the World Test Championship (WTC), are set for another challenge as they face off against India in the ongoing 2-match test series.
The Temba Bavuma-led side is keen to secure their first-ever test series victory on Indian soil since the team triumphed in the 1999-2000 season under Hansie Cronje’s captaincy.
The 2-match test series commenced on November 14 (Friday) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw Proteas having a decent start to their first innings with the bat.
South Africa’s Test Series Performance in India Since 1999-2000
Starting from the 1999-2000 season, South Africa managed to triumph in only one out of six test series played in India.
| Season | South Africa’s Win / Loss in Test Series Played in India |
| 1999-2000 | Won the 2-match test series by 2-0 |
| 2004-05 | Lost the 2-match test series by 0-1 |
| 2007-08 | Drawn the 3-match test series 1-1 |
| 2009-10 | Drawn the 2-match test series 1-1 |
| 2015-16 | Lost the 4-match test series by 0-3 |
| 2019-20 | Lost the 3-match test series by 0-3 |
Notably, South Africa lost seven consecutive test matches in India ever since their last triumph over the hosts in Nagpur back in 2010.
A Massive Opportunity to Win Test Series in India
Temba Bavuma is well aware that there are high expectations set on his team as the world test champions to triumph in the ongoing test series in India, particularly after clinching the WTC title:
“Yeah! Apart from winning the WTC trophy, a test series victory on Indian soil would be something special. As a team, we haven’t won a test series here (in India) for a long time.
It has been our long-time dream, and we are keen to change that record,” the Proteas skipper said ahead of the opening test.
Bavuma Follows Williamson’s Advice Ahead of SA vs IND 1st Test 2025
Having sought some valuable tips from the former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Temba Bavuma shared a fun moment:
“See! During an award event in Mumbai, I met Kane Williamson and asked for some advice. Although he didn’t reveal too much, but gave a simple tip to ensure that I win the toss, which I’ve been practising,” Bavuma said.
Williamson was part of New Zealand’s squad that whitewashed India in their own backyard with a clean 3-0 victory in the previous year’s test series.
Following Kane’s advice, Bavuma opted to bat first after winning the toss in the series opener at Eden Gardens.
‘Strong Spin Bowling Attack Will Be Key to Success’: Bavuma’s Opinion
As the pitches at Eden Gardens turn into spin-friendly on the fourth and fifth day of the ongoing test, Temba Bavuma is confident that his spinners will steer the team closer to victory:
“Certainly! For a long time, bowling has always been our core strength. Now, we have further balanced with a talented set of spinners. Having Tristan Stubbs in the squad, we can introduce another off-spinner if required, given his ability to prove something extraordinary in different conditions.
Mainly, in test cricket, bowlers are required to win test matches by taking 20 wickets. We are confident with our abilities, and even if the conditions pose a threat to spinners, we have back-up options as well,” Bavuma added.
‘Tough to Play Tests in India’: Bavuma’s Biggest Challenge!
Regardless of the absence of star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Team India’s talented youngsters can still give a big challenge to South Africa. Here is what Temba Bavuma had to say about:
“Definitely! The toughest challenge is to play tests in India. In recent times, you have seen the young talent stepping up and filling the role of seniors, which is indeed a big task.
Especially those guys who have been top performers for India over these years (referring to Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin), and they have put the nation on the map of where they belong. But we ensure to keep ourselves prepared and understand the challenges we will face,” Bavuma said.
Temba Bavuma’s Undefeated Streak as Test Captain
Interestingly, South Africa has never lost a test match since Temba Bavuma stepped into the leadership role for the longest format.
Out of 10 test matches, the Proteas have won nine of them under his leadership, which includes only a drawn outcome against West Indies back in August 2024.
Here is how the 35-year-old South African boasts a 90% success rate by guiding his team to glory against opponents like West Indies, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia in tests:
- West Indies: Won by 87 Runs (in February 2023, Centurion)
- West Indies: Won by 284 Runs (in March 2023, Johannesburg)
- India: Won by an Innings and 32 Runs (in December 2023, Johannesburg)
- West Indies: Draw (in August 2024, Port of Spain)
- West Indies: Won by 40 Runs (in August 2024, Providence)
- Sri Lanka: Won by 233 Runs (in November 2024, Durban)
- Sri Lanka: Won by 109 Runs (in December 2024, Gqeberha)
- Pakistan: Won by 2 Wickets (in December 2024, Centurion)
- Pakistan: Won by 10 Wickets (in January 2025, Cape Town)
- Australia (WTC 2025 Final): Won by 5 Wickets (in June 2025, Lord’s)
Bavuma’s proven unbeaten streak as a test captain makes South Africa the favorites to script history in the ongoing red-ball series on Indian soil.