IND vs SA: 5 South African players who can trouble India in the upcoming Test series

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The current World Test Champions, South Africa, are set to arrive on Indian shores for a challenging two-match Test series commencing on November 14, fresh off a 1-1 draw in their recent series against Pakistan, demonstrating both resilience and vulnerability.

This highly anticipated clash marks the start of a new era for the home side, with India now under the command of their new Test captain, Shubman Gill, who recently secured a convincing series whitewash victory against the West Indies. Despite the retirement of Indian stalwarts, the Proteas under Temba Bavuma face the colossal task of overcoming India’s historical home dominance. The series is viewed as a crucial litmus test for the new-look Indian team and a massive opportunity for South Africa to cement their world champion status outside their comfort zone.

South Africa’s squad for the Indian Test series is a blend of world-class performers and promising talents, five of whom possess the form and skill to significantly trouble the new-look Indian side in the challenging conditions:

1. Kagiso Rabada (Fast Bowler)

The spearhead of the Proteas pace attack remains one of the most lethal fast bowlers in world cricket, consistently delivering across all conditions. While his success in India hasn’t always mirrored his exploits elsewhere, his recent form remains menacing, offering raw pace and reverse swing potential that is crucial on slow Indian wickets. His primary role will be to break through the top order with the new ball and exploit the reverse swing with the older one, carrying the heaviest burden of the pace attack.

2. Simon Harmer (Off-Spinner)

Harmer is arguably the most critical component of the South African attack in spin-friendly conditions. He recently spearheaded the victory against Pakistan in the second Test, taking a match-winning six-wicket haul to level the series, demonstrating his expertise on turning tracks. His current form and proven ability to exploit helpful surfaces make him the prime bowling threat who can directly challenge the Indian batters’ confidence against finger spin.

3. Keshav Maharaj (Left-Arm Spinner)

The senior left-arm spinner, who missed the first Test against Pakistan due to injury, returned strongly to combine with Harmer in the second match to secure the series-leveling win. Maharaj brings a wealth of experience and excellent control, often proving to be a highly dependable bowler who can build pressure from one end. His recent performance has confirmed his readiness to lead the spin attack on the subcontinent.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Dhruv Jurel deserves a place in India’s XI for South Africa Tests

4. Temba Bavuma (Captain/Batter)

Though he missed the Test series against Pakistan while recovering from a calf injury, captain Bavuma’s return for the India series is a major boost, and his form was confirmed with a crucial 59 in the recent unofficial Test against India A. Bavuma is known for his technical solidity and fighting spirit, qualities that are vital for countering the Indian spin attack, and he carries the twin responsibility of stabilizing the middle order and leading the team’s strategic response.

5. Marco Jansen (Pace Bowling All-rounder)

The tall left-arm quick provides a unique dimension to the Proteas attack with his high release point and ability to extract awkward bounce. While his batting is less consistent, his potential to contribute quick runs down the order and his relentless bowling effort make him an ever-present threat. Jansen’s aggressive style and ability to swing the ball offer a point of difference to Rabada, ensuring the Indian top order gets no respite.

The recent unofficial two-match ‘Test’ series between India A and South Africa A has provided the visiting team with a significant psychological advantage and delivered clear warning shots to the senior Indian side ahead of the Kolkata Test. The series ended level at 1-1, but the dramatic finish in the second match saw South Africa A successfully chase down a mammoth target of 417 runs in Bengaluru, against a bowling attack that featured several Indian Test regulars, including Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and, notably, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

This successful chase was spearheaded by strong batting contributions, with Zubayr Hamza (77) and the returning Test captain Temba Bavuma (59) both getting crucial time in the middle and making light work of the target, proving their fitness and form. Of particular concern for the Indian team management is the performance of Kuldeep Yadav, who was sent home mid-way through the Australian white-ball tour to prepare for this series but struggled to make an impact, taking only one wicket across both innings combined in the unofficial Test.

Bavuma, having seen firsthand how his batters efficiently negated Kuldeep and applied pressure, confirmed that the Proteas will be well-prepared to tackle India’s spin threat. This A-team victory has delivered important blows to India’s confidence, especially to their bowling unit, forcing the think-tank to reconsider their approach and potentially causing selection headaches, particularly regarding the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel, who scored twin centuries in the game, and the composition of their spin attack against a team that is now buoyed by a record-breaking run chase.

Also READ: Sensational chase! South Africa A hunts down 417 to draw level with India A in unofficial Test series