For Temba Bavuma, winning a Test series in India represents one of the ultimate frontiers left to conquer. Fresh from leading South Africa to the World Test Championship (WTC) title earlier this year, the skipper considers a triumph on Indian soil as the next great milestone, one that would rank just below their global victory in importance.
“I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship… not much to trump that. But second to that, I think, will be winning in India,” Bavuma said on the eve of the first Test at Eden Gardens.
“It’s something that I wouldn’t even say it’s eluded us, but we haven’t been able to do for the longest time. So, I mean, that’s definitely up there in terms of ambition.”
South Africa haven’t won a Test in India since 2010, enduring seven straight defeats across three tours. Yet, Bavuma believes his current side, unbeaten in any full-strength series since coach Shukri Conrad took over in 2023, has the maturity, confidence, and balance to turn the tide.
“We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group there have had moments of hurt. So we know what it’s about,” he said.
“We look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting looking at the makeup of both teams, fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience. Similarly, with our side, the guys want to match up to the best in the world.”
Recalling a humorous exchange with Kane Williamson, Bavuma said he had sought advice from the former New Zealand skipper, whose side famously won 3-0 in India last year. “I met up with Kane at an awards evening in India a couple of months ago. I tried to ask him for some pointers,” he said. “He wasn’t too open about it, but he did say, make sure that you win the toss. So I’ve been practising it.”
Returning from an injury layoff, Bavuma found much-needed time in the middle during the second unofficial Test against India A. After a first-innings duck, he responded with a composed half-century in the second innings, marking a positive step in his comeback.
“For me, the biggest thing was having come off a long lay-off of Test cricket, getting back on the field, proving my fitness to myself and everyone around, and spending some time at the crease. I think that was important,” he said.
Bavuma also got his first taste of facing Kuldeep Yadav in that game and came away impressed. “I’d rather face him in the A game than here in Kolkata, that’s if he plays,” he smiled.
“He’s not a massive turner of the ball, but he can obviously deceive you off the wicket. You can see why India have a lot of faith in him. Definitely a guy who’s a wicket-taker.”
The Eden Gardens Test marks an emotional return for Bavuma, who last played at the venue during South Africa’s ODI World Cup campaign, a match remembered for their dramatic collapse against India. That experience, he admits, was a difficult one.
“It wasn’t the greatest of World Cups for me from a batting point of view. So, I can understand why the criticism came,” he reflected.
“From a captaincy point of view, it’s always felt like a process of discovery. You’re always learning more about yourself. I think now I’m a lot more comfortable in my own skin. There’s no case of having to prove to myself or to people back home that I’m deserving of the title. The results speak for themselves.”
For Bavuma, scrutiny is an inevitable part of leadership. “The magnifying glass is always going to be on you. So, you try to take it day by day and enjoy it. Coming here to India, like I said, is a big, big challenge. And as a batter, you want to be successful in these types of conditions.”
With South Africa missing their traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests this season, Bavuma said the India tour has taken on special significance. “This Test series becomes our festive season,” he said. “It’s sad for us as players and fans, but we’ll try and make the most of it. We’d love to play more Tests against India, England and Australia, maybe not just two, maybe three.”
The skipper also spoke about a renewed sense of optimism among fans back home following South Africa’s WTC success. “Back home, there’s been a major shift in mindset towards the Proteas. I think there’s a lot more appreciation now,” he said.
“Some of our guys weren’t even born when those World Cups happened. For us, it’s not something we carry. The World Test Championship win brought relief and a stronger belief that if you keep going, things are about to happen,” he added.