Ahead of the two-Test series against India, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma highlighted the importance of maintaining their unbeaten home record against India, acknowledging the challenges presented by Rohit Sharma’s team.
The 33-year-old noted that the scrutiny associated with matches against India underscores their significant skill factor featuring seasoned Test players well-versed in diverse conditions.
“There’s a lot of pride attached to that. That we’ve been able to keep that record intact as a South African team… all of us as players also feel that. But we understand playing against India comes with certain challenges and it’s those types of challenges we would like to focus on.”
Bavuma said there are various factors that make this series different. “Playing against India comes with a lot more eyes and a lot more scrutiny in terms of everything we do. So it’s accepting that. And the other, more obvious one is the skill factor on the field.
“For me as a batter, the bowlers are going to put you under pressure and their batting line-up as well, they’ve got renowned Test players and guys who performed in all conditions. They are a determined team as well, who want to be able to say they’ve won a Test series here in South Africa. We’ll really need to be at our best,” Bavuma said ahead of the Centurion Test.
‘Dean will be celebrated’
Bavuma also mentioned the extra motivation the team carries, playing for Dean Elgar, the senior opener, who will retire from international cricket after this Test series.
“Where Dean is in his career, just adds to the sentiment of the series. Dean will be celebrated as much as we can within our team. We hope that he’s celebrated accordingly by South African cricket and the public. He’s been an integral part of this team over the years. For us as players, we’d like to make the series a special send-off for him,” added Bavuma.
Even though India have made eight Test tours to South Africa since 1992, they have never secured a series victory. However, adverse weather conditions forecast for the first two days of the first Test might result in a truncated match.