IND vs SA 2025: 'Winning in India will be second greatest victory for us after WTC triumph' - Temba Bavuma

Published - 13 Nov 2025, 19:38 IST | Updated - 13 Nov 2025, 20:07 IST

South Africa have not won a Test match on Indian soil since 2010. The Proteas are eager to bring an end to the long drought when the two-match series against India begins at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Friday, November 14.

South Africa have not lost a Test match under Temba Bavuma's leadership. The diminutive batter led his country to the World Test Championship (WTC) final earlier this year, where they defeated Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Bavuma said that winning on Indian soil would rank second in terms of achievements for his side, right after their victory against Australia 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 have lost seven consecutive Tests in India across three tours. However, Bavuma is confident that his team has what it takes to 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,” he added.

Bavuma said that during a recent interaction with Kane Williamson, he asked for some advice heading into the India tour. Williamson's compatriots came to India last year and whitewashed the Asian giants 3-0 in a Test series. The former Kiwi skipper had advised Bavuma to win the toss.

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“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.