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IND vs SA 1st Test: South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has revealed that winning a Test series in India will be their second biggest achievement after winning the WTC title this year. South Africa last won a Test series in India way back in 2010 and will try to end this losing streak when they lock horns with India for a two-match Test series from Friday.

In Bavuma's captaincy, the Proteas haven't lost a Test match yet as they have won nine of 10 matches, and one match ended in a tie owing to rain. Before this series, Bavuma admitted that they haven't won a Test series in India in the last few years, and now it is their dream to do so.

“Obviously, winning the World Test Championship, not much can top that. But second to that would be winning in India. It’s something we haven’t managed for a long time, so it’s definitely high on our list of ambitions,” Bavuma told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

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The Proteas have lost seven consecutive Test matches in India since the last three series. But Bavuma is hopeful that the current team, who have stayed unbeaten after coach Shukri Conrad took over the reins in 2023, have the ability to give India a hard time.

“We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us have experienced the hurt before, so we know what it’s about. Looking at both teams, there’s a lot of talent. India has fantastic players, though a bit of inexperience, and it’s similar to our side. The guys are eager to test themselves against the best,” he said.

Bavuma reveals Williamson's advice

Bavuma also talked about a funny interaction he had with ex-New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who had defeated India by 3-0 in the Test series at their home last year. He also said that he has worked on his toss-winning skills after Williamson told him how important it was to win the toss in India.

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“I met Kane at an awards evening in Mumbai a couple of months ago. I asked him for some tips on how to win in India. He wasn’t too forthcoming — he just said, ‘Make sure you win the toss.’ So, I’ve been practising that,” he said.

The only time South Africa has won a Test series in India was in 2000 when the Hansie Cronje-led side had beaten the host by 2-0. After that, the two series ended in a draw, and they have lost three Test series. And that's why the Temba Bavuma-led side will try to end their losing streak in this series.

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