The Proteas lead the two-match series against India 1–0 after a 30-run win in the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. On a surface offering uneven bounce and sharp turn, South Africa posted 159 and 153.
India responded with 189 before being bowled out for 93 chasing 124. The match ended inside three days, giving South Africa a rare and significant away victory in India. Check ICC standings.
What happened the last time South Africa won a Test in India
South Africa’s Kolkata win was their first Test victory in India since February 2010. In that 2010 series, they defeated India by an innings and 57 runs in Nagpur, driven by Hashim Amla’s 253* and Morne Morkel’s nine wickets in the match, supported by Dale Steyn’s reverse-swing masterclass earlier in the tour.
The 2025 victory is especially notable given South Africa scored just 312 runs across both innings, the lowest aggregate by a touring team winning a Test in India, while dismissing India for one of their lowest fourth-innings totals at home.
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The form of South Africa going into this series
South Africa entered the tour as 2025 ICC World Test Championship winners, beating Australia in the final. Their Kolkata performance reinforced the balance in their attack, with spin and seam working in tandem.
Confidence is high, their bowlers found consistent assistance from the surface, and Temba Bavuma’s calm leadership helped them manage a chaotic low-scoring contest.
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The form of India going into this series
India came into the series with a strong home Test record but suffered an unexpected defeat in Kolkata. Captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck issue during the match, limiting his participation, though he has not been officially ruled out of the second Test.
Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent first-innings spell, India’s batting faltered under pressure, showing vulnerability against sustained spin and disciplined seam bowling.
Head-to-head record heading into the second Test
India have historically dominated South Africa in home Tests:
Tests in India before this series: India won 11, South Africa won 5, drawn 3
South Africa’s win in Kolkata narrowed the gap and broke a 15-year drought
The Proteas now have an opportunity to claim their first Test series win in India since 2000.
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Star players to look out for
South Africa
Temba Bavuma (batter, captain) – Produced a decisive, unbeaten 55 in Kolkata. His control and decision-making will again shape South Africa’s innings.
Simon Harmer (off-spinner) – Took eight wickets in the first Test and dominated India’s middle order. His accuracy underpins the Proteas’ spin strategy.
Marco Jansen (fast bowler) – His left-arm angle and steep bounce make him a constant threat, especially on abrasive surfaces that offer reverse swing.
India
Jasprit Bumrah (fast bowler) – India’s most lethal bowler and the standout performer in the first Test with 5 for 27. His pace, control and late movement remain India’s biggest weapon.
Shubman Gill (batter, captain) – India’s anchor at the top. His fitness for the second Test is crucial to stabilising India’s batting.
Sai Sudharsan (batter) – Likely to play if Gill is not fully fit. His compact technique and recent domestic form have drawn significant attention.
Mohammed Siraj (fast bowler) – Shares new-ball duties with Bumrah. India need him to strike early and relieve pressure on their spinner-heavy attack.
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