India host World Test champions South Africa in a two-match series starting at Eden Gardens on November 14, and spinner Mohammed Siraj said the hosts are confident of their chances of maintaining their home dominance over the Proteas regardless of the latter’s recent form. South Africa enters this series after drawing the tw0 Test in Pakistan 1-1.
“This series is crucial for the new WTC session, especially since South Africa is the defending champion,” Siraj told reporters. “While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we are confident of our good form. We created a positive environment, performed well in England, and won against West Indies,” Siraj said on JioStar.
Arguably more worrying for India is the fact that South Africa A recently managed to chase down a target of 417 against an India A team consisting of Siraj and other front-line bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deb and Kuldeep Yadav. However, it is worth noting that the conditions at Eden Gardens are expected to be very different from what was the case for the second unofficial Test played at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Siraj said he feels he is bowling in good rhythm at the moment. “Personally, I am a good pace bowler and I am looking forward to making the most of it. Playing against strong teams helps in identifying areas for improvement and I am really excited about this challenge,” he said.
The Test series between India and South Africa was more often than not dominated by the hosts. India have never been able to beat South Africa on home soil, their best results coming in two drawn series in 2010/11 and in the last series played between the two sides in 2023/24.
Meanwhile, South Africa have managed to win once (1999/00) and draw twice (2007/08, 2009/10) in India but have not won a single Test match in the country since February 2010. Captain Temba Bavuma said that although the task remains difficult, his side may be in a better position to face India at home because of the quality of spinners in their squad.
(Tags for translation)India vs. South Africa
