IND vs SA: 'Second only to WTC' - Temba Bavuma on Proteas ambition to win Test series in India

South Africa's Test captain Temba Bavuma has expressed his team's strong desire to win their upcoming two-match Test series in India, comparing its significance to their World Test Championship victory earlier this year.

Speaking ahead of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Bavuma highlighted the challenge of winning in India, where South Africa has lost seven consecutive Tests across three tours since their last victory in Nagpur in 2010.The Proteas, undefeated in full-strength Test series under coach Shukri Conrad since 2023, are confident about their chances in India."I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship...

not much to trump that. But second to that, I think will be winning in India," Bavuma said ahead of the first Test at Eden Gardens."It's something that's I wouldn't even say it's eluded us, but we haven't been able to do for the longest of time. So, I mean, that's definitely up there in terms of ambition.""We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group, there have been moments of hurt. So we know what it's about," said Temba.

Bavuma shared a lighthearted moment about seeking advice from former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson at a recent awards ceremony in Mumbai, following New Zealand's 3-0 victory over India last year."I met up with Kane at an awards evening in India a couple of months ago. I tried to ask him for some pointers," Bavuma said. "He wasn't too open about it, but he did say, make sure that you win the toss. So I've been practising it."The South African captain recently returned from a long injury layoff, performing in the unofficial Test against India A where he scored a fifty in the second innings after a first-innings duck.Bavuma specifically mentioned facing India's left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav during the warm-up match. "I'd rather face him in the A game than here in Kolkata - that's if he plays. He's not a massive turner of the ball, but he can obviously deceive you off the wicket," Bavuma said.The Eden Gardens Test marks Bavuma's return to the venue where South Africa struggled in the ODI World Cup, being dismissed for 83 runs."It wasn't the greatest of World Cups for me from a batting point of view. So, I can understand why the criticism came," he reflected. "From a captaincy point of view, it's always felt like a process of discovery. You're always learning more about yourself.""I think now I'm a lot more comfortable in my own skin. There's no case of having to prove to myself or to people back home that I'm deserving of the title.

The results speak for themselves."With South Africa's traditional Boxing Day and New Year's Tests absent from their schedule, this India tour has become their primary focus."This Test series becomes our festive season," Bavuma said. "It's sad for us as players and fans, but we'll try and make the most of it. We'd love to play more Tests against India, England and Australia - maybe not just two, maybe three."Addressing the historical "chokers" label, Bavuma believes the team has moved beyond it. "Back home, there's been a major shift in mindset towards the Proteas. I think there's a lot more appreciation now," he said. "Some of our guys weren't even born when those World Cups happened. For us, it's not something we carry. The World Test Championship win brought relief - and stronger belief that if you keep going, things are about to happen.

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