South Africa achieved a landmark 2-0 Test series victory in India, a result that surprised even their "still-undefeated" captain, Temba Bavuma. The win breaks a 25-year drought for a South African Test series win in India and subjects the hosts to their worst home defeat.
Coach Shukri Conrad's early 2025 call to "just dream a bit" materialized first in their qualification for the World Test Championship final, but culminated in this unexpected series sweep. Bavuma emphasized the achievement, noting the team knows "how dark it can be" from past losses in India, making the current success sweeter.
Temba Bavuma now holds the record for the most Test wins as captain before a loss (11 wins in 12 Tests, with the only defeat being with an understrength squad). The team featured a mix of players with "bad baggage" from past tours and young talent like Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs (who were not yet born during the last win), both making "series-swaying contributions."
South Africa's preparation included a helpful FTP (touring Pakistan beforehand) and sending an 'A' team (which Bavuma joined) to India for two four-day matches, which included a successful 417-run chase that signaled "anything is possible."
Bavuma called his captaincy a "process of discovery," driven by being more assured as a person and leader. Bavuma’s biggest lesson is the ability to delegate to the team's multiple leaders (Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, KG Rabada).
He learned to "separate the captain and the batter" to ensure his primary skill contribution, averaging over 50 since taking the job. His crucial 55 not out in the third innings in Kolkata was vital to turning the series.
The victory was described as a collective effort, focused on contributions when it matters, rather than individual superstars (especially notable as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was absent due to injury). Key contributions included:Senuran Muthusamy's maiden Test hundred, Jansen's 93 and Stubbs' 94, Simon Harmer's 17 wickets, Aiden Markram's record catches. Bavuma concluded that the team is in a "good space," with four to six batters willing to contribute, ensuring "formidable scores" that the bowlers can defend.
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