Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen’s thoughts after South Africa claimed a 2-0 Test series victory in India, their first on Indian soil in 25 years.
The series was capped by a 408-run win in the second Test, marking India’s heaviest defeat by runs in Test cricket. For a nation that has long dominated at home, India rarely succumbs to whitewashes – and only twice has South Africa managed the feat before.
“It’s massive. For me personally, being out of the game for a couple of months with injury, it’s not every day you can think of coming to India and win 2-0,” reflected Temba Bavuma, the captain.
“As a group, we’ve had top days and we know how tough we can be. Big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do out there and adapt accordingly.”
Bavuma credited the team’s unity and adaptability, noting the contributions of everyone in the squad:
“The guys were clear on their roles, as a unit, the biggest thing was wanting to contribute. Even guys coming from the bench like Muthusamy stepping up speaks about what they want to do for the team. This team is in a good space, and it will grow our confidence even more.”
The series showcased South Africa’s depth and versatility. Senuran Muthusamy scored his maiden Test century in the second Test, while Marco Jansen starred both with bat and ball, earning Player of the Match honours.
“Winning a Test match and series in India is very special. Very well done to everyone for putting their hand up and making this happen,” said Marco Jansen.
“We just spoke about doing the simple things well and assessing conditions to change our plan, and sticking to what works. I just give all the credit to Shuks [head coach Shukri Conrad]. He told me to go out there and express myself.”
Jansen’s performance was complemented by the calm, relentless control of Simon Harmer, who claimed 17 wickets across the two Tests and was named Player of the Series.
“It’s been a long road, 10 years later back here and completely different feeling,” Harmer said.
“Getting over the line as a team over this Indian team is a hell of an effort. Nice to finally get a five-for in India. The spinners had to bowl long periods, in different ways, getting it into the rough – it made a huge difference.”
The series also produced record-breaking moments in the field. Aiden Markram took nine catches in a single Test, an achievement never seen before.
“It’s a great feeling, great effort from everyone. It’s not easy coming to India, in tough conditions that are foreign to us… Credit to the bowlers, and you try and catch them. The spinners’ effort is huge, spinning the ball in different ways and getting it into the rough for long periods of time,” Markram said.
The win was not just about individual brilliance, but the collective effort, patience, and adaptability of the team. Bavuma highlighted how the group mentality and clarity of roles were crucial:
“We didn’t have big centuries, but four or five guys who can score 60s–70s make a difference. Simon [Harmer] complements Keshav Maharaj really well; he was the man for us in this series. Everyone stepping up speaks about what they want to do for the team.”
This series is also a significant marker in South Africa’s rise in the World Test Championship, while reinforcing the relevance of Test cricket in an era dominated by T20 leagues.
“As a unit, we’ve been pretty good to find ways to adjust to conditions,” Markram said.
“It’s a big test of character coming here and winning. You’ve got to believe you can compete against the best in their backyard, with a few moments of good luck along the way.”
The historic series sends a strong message: South Africa can dominate away from home, adapt to challenging conditions, and combine discipline with bold individual performances. For India, it is a reminder that even on familiar pitches, no team is invincible.
“It’s a great feeling, great effort from everyone,” Markram concluded, summing up the emotion of a series that will be remembered in South African cricket history for decades.