The last time South Africa won a Test series in India was back in 2000, under the captaincy of Hansie Cronje. Though the tainted Cronje is no more, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa is determined to follow in his ideal footsteps. Bavuma himself said that they have the opportunity to write history again.
In their last two tours of India, South Africa struggled badly against spin, losing both series 0–3. But this time, they arrive as the reigning World Test Champions, after drawing 1–1 against Pakistan in Pakistan.
Since head coach Shukri Conrad took charge in January 2023, the team has beaten Australia and claimed the World Test Championship title this year. Before that, they reached the T20 World Cup final. This squad includes eight players who have never played a Test match in India, but the team has packed enough spin options with experience- left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy (part of the 2019 tour), and Simon Harmer (from the 2015 tour).
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Eyes will also be on Mumbai Indians opener Ryan Rickelton, who was the team’s third-highest scorer in the IPL. Meanwhile, Tony de Zorzi comes into the series after scoring a century in Lahore and is known for his strong play against spin. Promising youngsters like Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne are also part of the squad. All-rounders Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder strengthen the lineup.
Interestingly, in the second Test starting November 22 in Guwahati, play timings have been adjusted due to early sunset in the Northeast. The match will start at 9 AM, with a 20-minute tea break at 11, lunch from 1:20 to 2 PM, and the play will end by 4 PM.
