The ODI series saw senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to form with a string of centuries and half-centuries, underlining India’s continued dominance in the format. Bavuma pointed out the stark difference in India’s strength when those senior players were unavailable in Tests.
Bavuma, who led South Africa to a historic 2-0 Test series victory in India, said that while such comments are not easily forgotten, he does not hold any grudges.
“It’s not every day that you get to think that you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win,” Bavuma said after South Africa’s thumping 408-run victory in Guwahati, their second-biggest win by runs.
A commanding declaration at 260/5, built on a superb 94 from Tristan Stubbs, left India staring at an almost insurmountable target of 549.
Buoyed by a hard-fought 30-run win in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, the Proteas arrive here with confidence and opportunity on their side. The result not only gave them a 1-0 lead but also marked their first Test win in India in 15 years.
Cricket South Africa confirmed the same after the conclusion of the first game on Thursday as per ICC.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said, "Same team, same thing, bowl again. Feels hard, looks like a good wicket to bat."
South Africa arrive in the city on Thursday to begin their T20I series against India in this sweltering heat. But, as their captain Temba Bavuma put it, the conditions have been far too hot for their expectations of Delhi weather.
For the series against South Africa starting from June 9, India will be without regular skipper Rohit Sharma, senior batter Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, with the trio being rested. The hosts are also without all-rounders Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and batter Suryakumar Yadav due to injuries.
Heinrich Klaasen and Temba Bavuma turned out to be the star performers for the hosts with David Miller providing the much-needed finishing boost.
