Bavuma: Historic Win in India ‘Sweeter’ After Years on the Other Side
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma described his team’s 2-0 series sweep over India as an “incredible achievement,” made even sweeter by the memory of past failures on Indian soil. The victory, sealed with a thumping 408-run win in Guwahati — South Africa’s second-largest Test win by runs — marked their first Test series triumph in India in 25 years.
“It’s not every day you think you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win,” Bavuma said. “What makes it sweeter is that some of us have been on the other side of the result.” Bavuma was part of the squads that suffered 3-0 defeats in India in both 2015 and 2019.
The reigning World Test Champions have been on a formidable run, losing just one of their last 15 Tests since August 2024. Bavuma himself remains unbeaten as captain after 12 matches. He attributed the team’s success to a shift in mindset and a shared hunger among players to take responsibility.
“There’s been a big shift in terms of how we want to play,” he said. “Guys are clear on their roles, and there’s a strong belief that anyone on their day can do it for the team. Sometimes it’s even hard to take the ball out of the bowler’s hands.”
Rather than relying on huge individual scores, Bavuma highlighted South Africa’s collective contributions. “We don’t often have guys scoring 150s, but we have four or five scoring 60s or 70s. The team is in a good space.”
Praise for Harmer, Maharaj and a Bowling Unit Missing Rabada
Bavuma reserved special praise for spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, whose internal competitiveness, he said, helped drive the team’s dominance. The series win was even more impressive given the absence of spearhead Kagiso Rabada.
“Simon has a wealth of experience,” Bavuma noted. “He complements Keshav well — a bit taller, a bit more guile. The competitiveness between them is something I appreciate. They’re two guys I’ve struggled to take the ball out of.”
Harmer was the standout performer of the series, taking 17 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.94 — a remarkable comeback after a disappointing tour of India in 2015 and a decade-long absence from Test cricket. The offspinner said the experience this time was completely different.
“It’s been a long road,” Harmer reflected after receiving the Player-of-the-Series award. “Ten years later, I’m leaving with a lot more fond memories. To beat a very good Indian team 2-0 — that was always the goal.”
Despite his heroics, Harmer acknowledged that Maharaj remains South Africa’s frontline spinner, especially at home.
“Keshav’s record speaks for itself,” he said. “He deserves to be the No. 1 spinner. I’m happy playing the supporting role and taking opportunities when they come. I just need to keep getting better.”
South Africa’s emphatic sweep not only rewrote their history in India but also reinforced their status as the world’s premier Test side under Bavuma’s calm but uncompromising leadership.