Bavuma in awe of South Africa's 'massive' feat in India
The Proteas skipper decodes what helped the visitors shrug recent disappointments of Test tours in India to script history.
South Africa created history with their huge win over India in the second Test between the two sides in Guwahati.
The holders of the ICC World Test Championship mace clinched only their second Test series win in India - first in 25 years. Reflecting on what has been an amazing feat from his team, skipper Temba Bavuma shared his thoughts on what helped his team to success, and why it’s one to cherish.
“It’s a massive achievement for the team and, for me personally, something I’ve been working towards and dreaming about for the last two months being injured and out of the game,” Bavuma said.
“It’s not every day that you can walk away from India with a two-nil series win,” he added.
The 35-year-old was part of the South Africa squads on their previous two Test tours of India (2015 and 2019) that suffered 3-0 sweeps at the hands of the hosts.
“What makes it sweeter for some of us is that we’ve been on the other side of the result and we know how tough it can be to win here, so for this group of gentlemen it’s an incredible achievement,” Bavuma said.
The Proteas skipper pointed towards a shift in mindset that’s helped them acclimatize better to different conditions.
“Everyone knows what their role is, what they want to do and how to go about it.
“As a team we’re in a very good space and winning in India will grow our confidence even more.
“Every single player is contributing, even the guys who come off the bench.”
“As a captain it’s difficult to get the ball out of the bowlers’ hands, they just want to keep bowling, especially Simon (Harmer) and Keshav (Maharaj).
“Simon was the man for us in this series, we’re so used to it being Kesh, but they complement each other and work together brilliantly.”
Harmer snapped 17 wickets for South Africa across the two Tests and was named the player of the series for his heroics.
But it wasn’t the off-spinner’s first rodeo in the country. Having impressed on his first tour with 10 wickets from two outings, Harmer admitted that he leaves India with fonder memories.
“It's been a long road, 10 years later back here and completely different feeling. I'm going to leave with fonder memories compared to the last time,” Harmer said post-match in Guwahati.
“Getting over the line as a team over this Indian team is a hell of an effort.”
South Africa’s third win from their fourth Test in the ongoing WTC cycle puts them in firmer grip of the second spot, just below Australia, who remain undefeated after as many outings.
