Temba Bavuma’s South Africa are targeting their first Test series victory in India in 25 years, with the second match getting underway on Saturday in Guwahati.
The visitors stunned India in a low-scoring first Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. This victory extended their excellent run after the Proteas were crowned World Test champions in June.
South Africa claimed their first victory in India since winning the opener in 2010. The team recently drew 1-1 in Pakistan.
South Africa now chase their first series win on Indian soil since 2000. Hansie Cronje’s team last triumphed there 25 years ago.
“We won a World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s earlier this year,” said coach Shukri Conrad. “This Kolkata victory ranks equally high for us.”
“We came to India and played at Eden Gardens,” Conrad continued. “We achieved something we hadn’t accomplished for 15 years. This ranks amongst our finest moments.”
“We compensate for any ability gaps through unity and resilience,” he added. “We never surrender.”
Captain Bavuma led South Africa as they defied expectations on a turning pitch. The inconsistent bounce at Eden Gardens challenged both teams.
India worry about captain Shubman Gill’s fitness as they seek series redemption. The two-match series hangs in the balance.
Gill suffered neck spasms during the first innings and withdrew from the remainder. He spent one night in hospital receiving treatment.
The top-order batsman travelled with the team to northeastern Guwahati. However, Indian media reported he will miss the second match.
Vice-captain Rishabh Pant will likely lead the team in Gill’s absence. India must regroup quickly for this crucial encounter.
India’s strategy to prepare a turning pitch at Eden Gardens attracted severe criticism. Pundits condemned the approach after the hosts faltered badly in their chase.
The defeat marked India’s fourth home loss in six tests. New Zealand whitewashed them 3-0 last year at home.
“Gautam Gambhir and his team must play on much better wickets,” said former captain Sourav Ganguly. “The Eden Gardens surface was completely inadequate.”
Gambhir faces mounting pressure after replacing Rahul Dravid following last year’s T20 World Cup triumph. The transition has proved challenging for the former opener.
The coach has lost nine out of 18 Tests since his appointment. He inherited a team undergoing significant transition and personnel changes.
Stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20 cricket after the World Cup victory. Both players also ended their Test careers earlier this year.
Officials appointed Gill as Test captain following these retirements. He drew a tough Test series 2-2 in England before leading India’s 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies.
