South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC 2025) winning captain, Temba Bavuma, has stated that the prospect of winning a Test series in India is second only to the WTC title. His words came ahead of the first Test that begins on November 14 in Kolkata.

South Africa has lost seven consecutive Tests in India across three visits, with their last victory coming in 2010 at Nagpur.  

However, Bavuma believes that this team, which has gone winless since coach Shukri Conrad took over in 2023, has the maturity and belief to pose a strong challenge and win only their second series in India in 25 years.

"I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship... not much to trump that. But second to that, I think, will be winning in India.

It's something that I wouldn't even say has eluded us, but we haven't been able to do for the longest 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 have had moments of hurt. So we know what it's about," Bavuma said ahead of the Kolkata Test.

"We look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting looking at the makeup of both teams—fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience. Similarly with our side, the guys want to match up to the best in the world," he added.

Bavuma also recalled a lighter encounter he had with former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and his one piece of advice: "win the toss." At an awards event in Mumbai, Bavuma sought Williamson's counsel after New Zealand defeated India 3-0 in their own backyard 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. He wasn't too open about it, but he did say, 'Make sure that you win the toss.' So I've been practicing it," Bavuma stated.

Bavuma returned to action after a long injury break, scoring a fifty for South Africa A in the second unofficial test.

"For me, the biggest thing was having come off a long layoff of Test cricket, getting back on the field, proving my fitness to myself and everyone around, and spending some time at the crease. I think that was important," he said.

Bavuma also singled out India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as someone who can be a handful for South Africa.

“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. You can see why India has a lot of faith in him. Definitely a guy who's a wicket-taker,” he said.

(PTI inputs)