England, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe & West Indies: India Cricket Team has won a Test series in all these places. Yet, South Africa remains unconquered. After the limited overs series, the focus now shifts to India vs South Africa Test series with India aiming to conquer their final frontier.
While Rohit Sharma & Co would aim to end the year with a 1-0 lead in the IND vs SA Test series, edging closer to a historic Test series win, it won’t be that easy. Team India do not have a great record against Proteas. South Africa lead 17-15 against India in IND vs SA Test head-to-head records.
No Mohammed Shami: 35 wickets in 8 matches
India will miss the services of their ace pacer Mohammed Shami in the series. The pacer has an outstanding record in South Africa. He has played just eight matches against the Proteas and has 35 wickets to his name.
India’s record in South Africa
India has a very poor record in South Africa. They won only four matches on the visitors’ soil. On the last India tour of South Africa (2021–22), India faced a humiliating 2-1 loss at the hands of the Proteas.
Indian batters’ struggle on bouncy pitches
Indian batters are likely to face a tough time on South African pitches owing to the bounce provided. The bounce factor is also certain to trouble India in some means, with the height of the Proteas bowlers also coming into play.
No Rahane & Pujara
Being the most seasoned Test batsmen in the team after Virat Kohli, Pujara and Rahane are not part of the India squad against South Africa in two-match Test series. In their absence, India would have a little inexperience middle order. Many batters like Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and others will be playing their first Test in South Africa.
