Bavuma understands the challenges of a ‘determined’ India
Despite their improved run away from home in recent years, India haven’t won a Test series in South Africa. Overall, the Men in Blue have won only four Tests in the country, while they have lost 12 and drawn seven.
Though they won the opening Test during their last tour in the 2021/22 season, the hosts fought back to win the series 2-1. Backed by a strong pace attack, featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, India will once more look to get the better of Proteas.
Ian Bishop had an insight into the India fast bowling setup ahead of their World Cup encounter against Sri Lanka.
South Africa captain Bavuma was well aware of his side’s record against India. Speaking ahead of the first Test, Bavuma said,
“There's a lot of pride attached to that we’ve been able to keep that record [of not being defeated by India at home] intact as a South African team. All of us as players also feel that. But we understand playing against India comes with certain challenges and it's those types of challenges we would like to focus on.”
He went on to discuss the challenges in detail. These included the added scrutiny when they played against India and the skill set possessed by the subcontinental side.
“Playing against India comes with a lot more eyes and a lot more scrutiny in terms of everything we do. So it's accepting that. And the other, more obvious one, is the skill factor on the field.
“For me as a batter, the bowlers are going to put you under pressure, and their batting line-up as well, they've got renowned Test players and guys who performed in all conditions.
“They are a determined team as well, who want to be able to say they've won a Test series here in South Africa so with that extra bit of drive and motivation, we'll really need to be at our best.”
Bavuma rated India’s pace attack highly and believed that the series would be decided based on which batting lineup overcame the circumstances better.
“We understand conditions a lot better so you'd expect us to adapt a lot better but their bowling is quite strong. The fact that they've been able to achieve such success is because of their bowling attack and that kind of nullifies the advantage we have. It's more between the batters and how the batters take on that challenge.”
The first Test between India and South Africa starts on Boxing Day in Centurion.